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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.

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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

Valero Board Approves Bay Area Refinery Cogenerator

LCG, March 20, 2001Valero Energy Corp., a petroleum company that recently purchased a San Francisco Bay Area refinery and gasoline stations from Exxon Corp., said yesterday its board has approved investment of $57 million in a cogeneration power plant for its refinery in Benicia, in the East Bay near the mouth of the Sacramento River.

The 51 megawatt facility, which would make the refinery self-sufficient during ordinary times, could be completed by April of next year, if the permitting process runs smoothly never a sure thing in California.

Valero said the decision, made before yesterday's rolling blackouts in California, was in response to the state's power shortage.

Rich Marcogliese, a Valero vice president and plant manager at Benicia, said "It is critical that we keep our refinery running because any power interruption could mean significant downtime, which could ultimately lead to gasoline supply shortages and price spikes. What's more, this project will allow us to retire some older, less efficient boilers, which will lower our air emissions."

Valero said the production of the cogeneration unit will be equal to or greater than the average power demand of the refinery. Additional power will be purchased as required to meet peak demand or, sold as available during low-demand periods.

The cogenerator will be fueled with light gases produced as refinery by-products, the company said, and steam produced by the unit will allow the refinery to retire older, less efficient steam generating equipment.

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