‘Beneficiary Pays’ Model Gains Traction With Lawmakers
Unclear cost allocation has led some states to oppose data center and transmission projects.
WASHINGTON, April 23, 2026 – Congress could require companies driving demand for new transmission lines to pay for them, lawmakers said Thursday at Data Center World.
Rep. Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D., said cost remains the biggest barrier to building transmission needed for data centers and other large electricity users.
“There’s an opportunity here to make sure that people who are driving the need for the lines are the ones paying for it,” Fedorchak said.
