EXCLUSIVEFORSUBSCRIBERSRepublican senator to propose federal control over data centers’ access to the power grid Sen. Cynthia Lummis’ POWER Up Act would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to approve or reject data centers’ connections to some grids.A data center in Vernon, Calif.Mario Tama / Getty Images fileJune 16, 2026, 8:34 PM EDTA Republican senator will introduce legislation Wednesday that, if it is adopted, would set federal rules around how data centers can plug into the electric grid as AI energy consumption has become a front-line political issue for state and federal lawmakers.Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.