Energy company was warned data centers risked power crisis that now threatens blackouts in 13 states
Rapidly growing data center electricity demand is straining the PJM Interconnection grid and contributing to a projected capacity shortfall that could increase blackout risks across 13 states. FERC rejected PJM’s proposal to curtail power to data centers during emergencies but approved a database to improve planning, while Google and Constellation Energy announced plans to add 890 megawatts of nuclear capacity.
PJM Interconnection is facing sharply rising electricity demand from data centers across its Midwest and Mid-Atlantic territory. A study commissioned by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission warned that the grid could experience a significant capacity shortfall by 2030, increasing the risk of outages and raising costs for other customers. The U.S. Department of Energy separately issued a temporary emergency order allowing additional generation beyond normal pollution limits during a period of unusually high temperatures.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected PJM’s request to cut power to large data center customers during energy shortages, saying the Federal Power Act leaves that issue to the states. FERC did approve PJM’s plan to create a database containing information about data centers’ power requirements, locations and operating schedules. Google and Constellation Energy also announced a plan to add 890 megawatts of nuclear capacity to the PJM grid, with the first capacity upgrade targeted for 2028.