Are data centers in your community, or on way? Explore the map

New Jersey currently hosts over 80 data centers, with additional facilities under construction or in planning stages. These power-intensive installations, often the size of warehouses, are exerting significant pressure on the state's aging electrical grid, especially as they support the growing demands of artificial intelligence programs. The Electric Power Research Institute projects that by 2030, AI data centers could consume as much as 9% of annual U.S. electricity. This trend is a source of concern for utilities, which are struggling with a shortage of clean energy sources to replace closed coal plants, and for ratepayers, who are shouldering the costs of grid improvements that can amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. In June, New Jersey residents experienced an approximate 20% increase in electricity bills, partly due to this rising demand and the regional supply system's difficulty in maintaining sufficient generating capacity. The article, originally from South Jersey Climate News, a content-sharing partner of NJ Spotlight News, also references an interactive map and a related story exploring data center growth in the state.