PJM Interconnection

Maryland Pushes Back on $2 Billion Grid Upgrades

Residents could pay billions for upgrades tied to out-of-state AI data centers.

Georgina Mackie

May 11, 2026 — 2 min read

Photo of David Lapp, Maryland people's counsel, from PBS.

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2026 – Maryland officials are challenging an estimated $2 billion in electricity transmission costs that they say are being unfairly shifted onto state residents and businesses.

The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel has filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission against PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator serving 13 states and Washington, D.C.

The state argues that PJM’s cost allocation formula improperly requires Maryland ratepayers to subsidize transmission projects primarily driven by data center expansion in other states.