Data Center-Driven Power Price Spike Threatens Top Grid Operator

Soaring US power bills are threatening to claim their biggest victim yet — the nation’s largest electric grid operator.

Federal officials have suggested breaking up PJM Interconnection LLC, which runs the grid from the Illinois prairie to the Jersey Shore. New data centers are straining electricity supplies across the 13 states PJM serves, pushing up prices and fueling a political backlash.

Regulators, state officials and utility executives complain the organization takes too long approving new power plants to stay ahead of growing demand. Even PJM’s chief executive officer has called the current situation “not tenable,” saying his organization can’t ensure ample ...