NJ Gov. Sherrill unveils sweeping data center plan as AI boom drives up energy costs for residents
News ClipNBC New York·Trenton, Mercer County, NJ·5/27/2026
Governor Sherrill of New Jersey has unveiled a comprehensive plan to address the significant impact of data centers on the state. She highlighted that data centers are major contributors to rising electricity costs for residents, increased pressure on the power grid, and greater water consumption. PJM Interconnection reported that data centers were responsible for 70% of New Jersey's projected electricity demand growth last year.
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Gov: Governor Sherrill, New Jersey State Government, PJM Interconnection
Sherrill said data centers have become one of the biggest drivers of electricity costs in New Jersey, contributing to rising utility bills, pressure on the power grid, increased water consumption and growing concerns from local communities. “Data centers are among the biggest drivers of energy costs, which I am working tirelessly to bring down,” Sherrill said during a press conference in Trenton. According to the governor, PJM — the regional grid operator overseeing electricity distribution across multiple states — reported that data centers accounted for 70% of projected demand growth last year.