Pennsylvania Governor Releases Plan Requiring Data Centers to Supply Their Own Power

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office released a plan that would require new large-scale data centers to supply their own electricity rather than draw from the regional grid. The proposal, labeled “bring your own energy,” or BYOE, follows months of statements by the governor that rising electricity demand from AI facilities could increase costs for households and businesses.

Under the plan, developers seeking grid interconnection for facilities above a certain size would need to demonstrate dedicated generation, contracted renewable power, or other arrangements sufficient to cover their projected load. The governor’s office said the requirement is intended to prevent new demand from driving up wholesale power prices or accelerating the need for additional transmission investment.

State officials have not yet specified the exact size threshold or the timeline for formal rulemaking.

Implementation will require action by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and possible legislation to codify interconnection rules. The governor’s office stated it will seek input from utilities, data-center operators, and consumer advocates before finalizing the program.