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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

Xcel Energy Proposes Accelerating Retirement of Coal-fired Electric Generating Units in Minnesota

LCG, October 7, 2015-Xcel Energy announced on October 2 its proposal to accelerate the company's transition from coal-fired electric generation resources to generating resources with less carbon emissions by retiring two, coal-fired units at its Sherburne County Generating Plant (Sherco) in Becker, Minnesota

Xcel Energy filed its proposal with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) in Reply Comments to the 2015 Integrated Resource Plan that Xcel Energy submitted early this year. The MPUC is currently reviewing the recent proposal.

The Sherburne County Generating Plant is located approximately 45 miles northwest of the Twin Cities on the Mississippi River. Xcel Energy's plan calls for retiring 682-MW Unit 2 in 2023 and 680-MW Unit 1 in 2026. Xcel Energy is the sole owner of the two units, which commenced commercial operations in 1976 (Unit 1) and 1977 (Unit 2). Unit 3, with a capacity of 860 MW, is owned by both Xcel Energy (59 percent) and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (41 percent).

Xcel Energy's proposal includes (i) accelerating the addition of wind and solar resources, targeting 28 percent of Xcel's energy mix in five years and 35 percent in 2030, (ii) continuing the operation of its carbon-free nuclear plants in Monticello and Prairie Island through their existing licenses, (iii) developing new natural gas generation in the region, including natural gas generation at Sherco and in North Dakota, and (iv) continuing to help customers improve energy efficiency.

The president of Xcel Energy-Minnesota stated, "Today's proposal provides the clean energy our customers want, as well as the cost-effective transition our customers need. By allowing adequate time to transition our workforce and the communities we serve, we can meet their needs and lead the way in delivering carbon free energy."
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