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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

FERC Releases El Paso Pipeline Strategy Papers

LCG, December 3, 2002-Accusing the El Paso Corporation of intentionally withholding gas supplies during California's energy crisis, FERC released potentially incriminating documents yesterday during a hearing.

El Paso Corp. is currently in court over its possible involvement in manipulating pipeline supply to California.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released documents yesterday referring to El Paso's business plans, which until now had been kept confidential.

One memo showed that, during a meeting in February of 2000, El Paso officials had talked about methods of leaving pipeline capacity idle in order to increase profit.

Other, April 2000 documents referred to widening the basis spread, the difference between California border prices and more eastern regions' prices. The same memo discussed moving supply to Arizona or Mexico, away from California.

Many gas purchases and politicians have alleged that El Paso reaped immense profits from withholding pipeline capacity, although El Paso continues to deny any wrongdoing.

Californian utility attorney's say that El Paso had an obligation to bring 3,290 million cubic feet of gas per day, and that the company only offered 75% and delivered less than that amount in order to increase gas prices. Some say even the addition of a small amount of gas would have resulted in more affordable prices and ultimately would have led to cheaper electricity prices as well.

El Paso Corporation's Pipeline Group is the largest pipeline company in the country and owns over 48,000 miles of pipeline.

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