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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

Signs Good for California Summer Power Supply

LCG, Apr. 9, 2002--New power plants, better hydro conditions and continued conservation should allow Californians to worry less about rolling blackouts during the coming summer, according to the California Energy Commission.

The commission will release a report later this month that describes a power supply situation much improved from that of last year. In 2001, hydro reservoirs were at low levels throughout the Western U.S., and a number of planned power plants were either in the permitting process or still under construction. For now, the executive director of the CEC, Steve Larson, says "summer looks pretty good."

One reaction to 2001's power crisis seems to be a lingering commitment to lower power usage by consumers. A survey conducted by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District led it to predict that half of the reduction in consumption that took place last year will be permanent. This is approximately the amount of conservation needed to pull through even an unusually hot summer. Larson was quoted in the Sacramento Bee: "I think the commitment is so strong in the state not to have blackouts that we won't have blackouts."

The Independent System Operator, operator of the California grid, is looking to enroll participants in a "negawatt" program, which would allow the ISO to reduce demand by up to 500 megawatts when needed in return for payments or price incentives. SMUD is one utility that has a similar program in place.
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