Reliability standards for AI data centers, crypto miners move closer to adoption

Utility Dive · Robert Walton · 2026-10-15 09:28 UTC

NERC’s Board of Trustees on Monday voted to adopt reliability standards for AI data centers and other computational loads. The proposed rules now go to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for approval.

Update: Oct. 27, 2026: NERC’s Board of Trustees on Monday voted to adopt reliability standards for AI data centers and other computational loads. The grid watchdog called it a “major milestone in accelerated efforts to address the reliability risks” associated with the rapidly growing demand. NERC said it will file the standards with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for approval and coordinate with authorities in Canada on next steps.

North American Electric Reliability Corp. stakeholders approved new reliability standards for AI data centers, crypto mining facilities and other computational loads — an important step toward finalization, the grid watchdog said Thursday.

The standards now head to the NERC Board of Trustees for a vote, and, if adopted, will be filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for final approval.

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