Fri Jul 18 22:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Governors Demand Say in Grid Operator PJM’s Leadership Amid “Crisis of Confidence”**
**[City, State] –** A coalition of nine governors representing a majority of electric customers within the PJM Interconnection region are demanding a greater voice in the grid operator’s leadership, citing an “unprecedented crisis of confidence” and accusing PJM of hindering job growth and investment in their states.
In a strongly worded letter to PJM’s board, the governors of Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia, expressed concern over rising costs, grid connection delays, and a perceived lack of effective long-term planning. They pointed to a dramatic increase in capacity auction costs last year, potentially leading to double-digit percentage point increases in electric bills for consumers.
The governors’ demands come in the wake of the abrupt termination of two long-standing board members and the planned departure of PJM CEO Manu Asthana by the end of the year. They are calling for the two vacant board seats to be filled with candidates proposed by the states, rather than through what they describe as “closed-door deliberations.”
“At a time when PJM faces difficult decisions that could substantially raise consumer bills, we strongly believe ongoing board-level representation of these perspectives is essential to preserving PJM’s legitimacy,” the governors wrote.
The group plans to form a formal group to represent PJM governors, hoping to help PJM chart “a productive path forward on the issues facing our region.”
PJM Board Chair David Mills responded by inviting the governors to share their concerns at a July 23 PJM Members Committee meeting. Mills defended PJM, stating that operators are “keeping the lights on through some of the most challenging circumstances” and highlighting the steps PJM has taken to address state concerns, including price caps and fast-tracking interconnection reviews.
However, some state lawmakers are even considering leaving PJM altogether in response to rising energy prices, with New Jersey’s General Assembly recently passing a bill to explore alternative options.
Analysts warn that while states may not be keen on leaving PJM, the criticism reflects the political pressure lawmakers face due to rising power prices and a willingness to consider drastic measures.
PJM operates the grid and wholesale power markets in 13 Mid-Atlantic and Midwest states and the District of Columbia.
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