Reliability Backstop Procurement Workshop

On Jan. 16, the PJM Board issued a letter outlining its decision resulting from the Critical Issue Fast Path – Large Load Additions (CIFP-LLA). The Board noted that the PJM Tariff currently allows PJM to run a backstop capacity procurement if the system clears short of the reliability requirement for three consecutive capacity auctions. In light of the evolving risk profile, the Board directed PJM staff to develop a proposal to both accelerate and execute this procurement.

On Jan. 16, 2026, the White House National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) and the governors of all 13 PJM states jointly issued a statement urging PJM to expeditiously file with FERC a proposed Tariff revision that would effectuate a reliability backstop procurement that reflects a set of six principles. The statement also included a commitment by the NEDC and governors to use all authorities available to ensure that rate structures would be designed to ensure that the costs of the reliability backstop procurement to data centers that have not otherwise procured capacity or agreed to be curtailable.

This series of workshops is established to vet the dimensions of the proposed reliability backstop procurement.

Facilitator: Dave Anders
Secretary: Matt Connolly

During the meeting, if you are experiencing issues with connectivity or teleconference, please contact Meeting Support. For registration issues, contact PJM.