The race to power AI data centers is reshaping America's electric grid

The race to power AI data centers is reshaping America's electric grid

News ClipCNBC·Pine Island, Goodhue County, MN·10/19/2026

Google is planning a 780-megawatt AI data center in Pine Island, Minnesota, as part of a proposed agreement with Xcel Energy. Google says it would support 1,900 megawatts of renewable energy and measures to protect local ratepayers while helping address the electric grid's growing power needs.

electricityannouncement
Google
AI data centers are driving unprecedented demand for electricity and putting pressure on America’s power grid to modernize its equipment. Google says its planned 780MW data center in Pine Island, Minnesota, could offer a model for powering the AI boom. In a proposed agreement with Xcel Energy, Google says it will support 1,900 megawatts of renewable energy and ways to protect local ratepayers. CNBC examines if projects like this can help upgrade the grid without shifting costs to residents.