# How data centers are complicating transmission expansion

- Show: [Catalyst](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst)
- Published: 2026-06-25
- Length: 30m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-25-how-data-centers-are-complicating-transmission-expansion

## Summary

Maeve Allsup, a senior reporter at Latitude Media, discusses the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL), a $960 million transmission line approved by PJM in 2022 that is now facing significant delays due to multi-state cost allocation disputes. She explains how the surge in data center load and the 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' signed by tech hyperscalers have empowered state consumer advocates to challenge the project, arguing that local ratepayers should not subsidize infrastructure primarily benefiting Virginia's data centers. Allsup highlights the conflict between the rapid pace of AI-driven energy demand and the slow, complex regulatory processes governing grid expansion.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-25-how-data-centers-are-complicating-transmission-expansion#t=7) Introduction: The MARL Project and Cost Allocation Crisis
- [4:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-25-how-data-centers-are-complicating-transmission-expansion#t=246) MARL Timeline and the Impact of AI on Grid Planning
- [10:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-25-how-data-centers-are-complicating-transmission-expansion#t=604) State Pushback and the Ratepayer Protection Pledge
- [16:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-25-how-data-centers-are-complicating-transmission-expansion#t=980) Challenges of Data Center Cost Recovery and FERC Proceedings
- [25:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-25-how-data-centers-are-complicating-transmission-expansion#t=1522) Broader Sentiment Against Data Centers and Grid Infrastructure
- [28:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-25-how-data-centers-are-complicating-transmission-expansion#t=1717) Future Outlook and Monitoring Key Transmission Projects

## Topics

- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Logistics & fulfilment](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/logistics-and-fulfillment)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (product)
- PJM (company)
- Latitude Media (company)
- NextEra (company)
- FERC (company)
- EnergyHub (company)

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- [EP 186: Mobile Bottlenecks, Skyrocketing AI CapEx, and the Compute Crunch](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-08-03-ep-186-mobile-bottlenecks-skyrocketing-ai-capex-and-the-compute-crunch) (The Circuit)
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## Citing this page

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