Utilities Petition FERC for Right of First Refusal on Powerlines

The Grid Acceleration Coalition, a group of nine electric transmission utilities including Ameren and Evergy, has petitioned the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the right of first refusal to build and operate large-scale, multi-state powerlines. The coalition seeks to either exempt specific projects from the competitive bidding process or pause those requirements for five years, arguing that current solicitation processes create red tape and delays. The group claims these changes are necessary to meet spiking electricity demands from artificial intelligence data centers and manufacturing following a national energy emergency declared by President Donald Trump.

Opponents of the request include the Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition and lawmakers from Missouri, Iowa, Montana, Wisconsin, and Kansas. These critics have sent letters to FERC urging the agency to deny the petition, arguing that removing competition eliminates incentives for economical construction and will increase utility bills for consumers. Some opponents characterize the request as an attempt by utilities to secure a federal bailout after failing to pass similar legislation in their home states.

FERC is expected to rule on the petition in the fall of 2026.