EnergyOnline
Services

RSS FEED

EnergyOnline.com rss

News

Faster-than-Expected Data Center Load Growth May Cause Increased Regional Short-term Fossil Fuel Generation and Wholesale Electricity Prices

LCG, March 18, 2026--The EIA released a new "In-depth Analysis" of the potential impact of faster-than-expected near-term growth in data center power demand on power generation and wholesale prices on March 12. The analysis models the lower 48 states through 2027 and compares results to its base case scenario. Key takeaway from this sensitivity analysis is the potential increase in fossil fuels in some regions and potentially a significant increase in wholesale prices in ERCOT.

Read more

Faster-than-Expected Data Center Load Growth May Cause Increased Regional Short-term Fossil Fuel Generation and Wholesale Electricity Prices

LCG, March 18, 2026--The EIA released a new "In-depth Analysis" of the potential impact of faster-than-expected near-term growth in data center power demand on power generation and wholesale prices on March 12. The analysis models the lower 48 states through 2027 and compares results to its base case scenario. Key takeaway from this sensitivity analysis is the potential increase in fossil fuels in some regions and potentially a significant increase in wholesale prices in ERCOT.

Read more

Industry News

NRG Announces Texas Energy Fund Loan Executed for 456 MW Project Near Houston

LCG, August 4, 2025--NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) today announced that the company has executed a loan agreement with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and received initial funding for two new natural gas units at NRG’s existing TH Wharton power plant as a part of the Texas Energy Fund (TEF) Loan Program. The TH Wharton facility is located on a 600-acre site approximately 20 miles northwest of Houston. The two new units will add a combined 456 MW nameplate capacity and are expected to commence operations next summer.

NRG has two additional natural gas-fired projects moving through the TEF due diligence process. At NRG's existing Cedar Bayou facility, located on a 300-acre site east of Baytown, Texas, a combined cycle facility addition is planned that would add approximately 690 MW of generating capacity. At NRG's Greens Bayou Electric Generating Station, located on a 560-acre site northeast of Houston, Texas, a simple cycle unit addition is planned that would add approximately 440 MW of capacity. Both expansions are planned to commence operations in mid 2028. In total, NRG’s planned capacity additions utilizing TEF funding will add over 1,500 MW of new, dispatchable, gas-fired projects in Texas by 2028.

NRG's Executive Vice President and President of NRG Business and Wholesale Operations stated, "Demand for electricity across Texas is surging, and we’re working quickly to supply new dispatchable natural gas generation to the grid. Our new units at TH Wharton will add lasting benefits to the surrounding community with the addition of jobs, enhanced grid stability and economic growth. We want to thank Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Legislature and the PUCT for being great partners in helping power Texas forward."

Texas faces significant demand growth from rapid industrial expansion, AI-powered data centers, and residential development. To address the situation, the TEF was created in late 2023 to provide funding opportunities for electric generation projects—both inside and outside of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power region—through four programs based on an application process and award system developed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The Texas Legislature appropriated $5 billion to fund the TEF for Fiscal Years 2025-2026 and an additional $4 billion for Fiscal Years 2027-2028.
Copyright © 2026 LCG Consulting. All rights reserved. Terms and Copyright
UPLAN-NPM
The Locational Marginal Price Model (LMP) Network Power Model
Uniform Storage Model
A Battery Simulation Model
UPLAN-ACE
Day Ahead and Real Time Market Simulation
UPLAN-G
The Gas Procurement and Competitive Analysis System
PLATO
Database of Plants, Loads, Assets, Transmission...
CAISO CRR Auctions
Monthly Price and Congestion Forecasting Service