Power for energy-guzzling AI data centers is getting fast-tracked thanks to federal regulators

Federal regulators on Thursday ordered regional grid operators to help large energy users connect more quickly to the nation’s inefficient and aging electric transmission system , a step they said is needed to accommodate surging demand from power-hungry artificial intelligence data centers . Energy Secretary Chris Wright had urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to act in an effort to help the United States better compete with China for superiority in the fast-growing AI sector.