Show cause orders issued Thursday by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission require organized markets to consider flexibility in data centers, something the Nicholas Institute has done influential studies on, reports RTO Insider. “FERC’s ruling emphasizes getting more from existing infrastructure broadly and gives runway for flexible interconnection options specifically,” said Nicholas Institute expert Jackson Ewing. “States and transmission organizations should prioritize these pathways.”

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) directed the six regional power grid operators in its jurisdiction to reform rules governing how data centers and other large energy consumers connect to the power grid, reports T&D World. Nicholas Institute expert Jackson Ewing said the FERC ruling emphasizes getting more from existing infrastructure broadly and gives runway for flexible interconnection options specifically. “States and transmission organizations should prioritize these pathways,” he said.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a series of orders intended to speed interconnection of data centers and other large energy users in six regional grids under its jurisdiction. The orders propose several reforms for grid operators to address, including providing new transmission services for flexible large loads. Duke University expert Jackson Ewing commented on the potential impact of FERC's actions.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's June 18 ruling on large loads "emphasizes getting more from existing infrastructure broadly and gives runway for non-firm interconnection options specifically," writes Nicholas Institute expert Jackson Ewing in a commentary at Latitude Media. "States and transmission organizations should prioritize these pathways."

A new Nicholas Institute report outlines state competitiveness policies that broaden market participation and realign utility incentives to better address challenges facing the power sector in the southeastern United States. Analysis conducted for the report utilizes data from the Southeast Power Sector Competitiveness Dashboard, which evaluates 12 states in the region across 15 policy indicators.

Fourteen Duke students attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil at the culmination of their unique 2025 fall course U.N. Climate Change Negotiations Practicum. This photo essay captures the students' insights into the international negotiations and overall experiences in Belém, along with their instructor and Nicholas Institute expert Jackson Ewing.

A proposed merger between Virginia-based Dominion Energy and Florida-based NextEra Energy includes a small corner of North Carolina territory. Nicholas Institute expert Jackson Ewing talked with Coastal Review about some potential benefits and drawbacks of the deal for the northeastern part of the state.

At a time of rapid consolidation in the energy industry, regulatory commissions in North and South Carolina approved a merger between Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress. Nicholas Institute expert Jackson Ewing joined NC Newsline's News & Views podcast to discuss the potential benefits and concerns of the merger.

The Charlotte-based utility said the merger of Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Carolinas could enable more efficiently plan power generation and transmission needs and eliminate redundant investments. Nicholas Institute expert Jackson Ewing told The Charlotte Business Journal that he agreed with that assessment but also highlighted potential flaws, such as an increased likelihood of one larger utility relying on traditional methods instead of trying to find creative cost-saving solutions.

"The Duke Energy Carolinas/Duke Energy Progress merger, approved by North and South Carolina regulators on May 1, may appear to be routine corporate restructuring. In practice, it could shape the future of electricity in the region," writes Nicholas Institute expert Jackson Ewing in a commentary at NC Newsline.

In a Q&A with The News & Observer, Nicholas Institute expert Jackson Ewing said the announced merger of Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Carolinas could create efficiencies that may lead to customer savings. But Ewing explained the merger will also reduce competition between the two systems, which could have long-term consequences for corporate and regulatory decision-making.

Discussions at the third annual “From Billions to Trillions” summit ranged from filling clean energy investment gaps to addressing AI energy demand to navigating political risks … and much more.

Data centers that power AI consume large amounts of water to keep servers cool and electricity to keep them running. Nicholas Institute expert Jackson Ewing talked with WXII 12 News about the potential implications for individuals' electric and water utility bills.

"To address ratepayer frustration while building a larger, cleaner, and more reliable energy system, North Carolina policymakers should look to strengthen competitiveness," writes Nicholas Institute expert Jackson Ewing in a commentary at NC Newsline. Ewing explains that competitiveness is not a single policy but a range of options that can introduce useful checks and balances into the electricity system.

Northern Virginia has historically dominated the U.S. data center market, while Texas leads in new growth. But Nicholas Institute expert Jackson Ewing explained to NC Newsline that North Carolina is a “fairly attractive place for sites” because of strong fiber optic connectivity, its proximity to existing data center operations and adequate water supplies.