The largest grid operator in the United States, PJM Interconnection, has announced that businesses and households will pay a record $16.1 billion to maintain sufficient electricity supply. This increase is driven by soaring power demand, significantly influenced by the expansion of AI data centres. The annual power sale by PJM, which determines payments to power generators, indicates rising consumer utility bills. The capacity price has increased to $329.17 per megawatt each day, up from $269.92.
AI's growing demand for electricity is outpacing the addition of new power plants, straining the grid and potentially leading to blackouts and higher costs. PJM projects a summer demand increase of approximately 30 gigawatts by 2030, largely due to data centres. This surge in demand highlights the need for significant investment in the electric grid.
Concerns are rising about the grid's ability to handle the increasing energy demands from data centres. Experts are warning of potential infrastructure strain and the risk of blackouts. The rapid development of AI technology is intensifying the demand for high-density data centres, which require substantial electricity to operate.
