Speed to power now depends on factory slots as much as on interconnection studies. Who should get the transformer slots, and how should regulators treat buying ahead of need?

Utilities are adding a negotiated lane beside standard large-load tariffs. The Xcel record in Colorado shows what that lane has to carry if other customers are not to pay for its speed.

Three October deals show Google, Microsoft and Oracle absorbing volume, cost and regulatory risk once held by utilities, while FERC’s PJM order leaves the terms to state commissions.