AI is wild card in data center energy demand, say electricity researchers

EPRI’s findings in its latest report, which is based on public information about existing data centers, estimates of industry growth, and private electricity demand forecasts by industry experts, could force organizations to re-evaluate electricity costs in the face of regional supply challenges.

The organization also looked at those regional impacts of increased AI power demand. In the US, the researchers wrote, “Fifteen states accounted for an estimated 80% of the national data center load in 2023,” with Virginia, Texas, and California leading the pack.

Demands for highly reliable power, requests for power from new generation sources without carbon emissions, and short lead times for connection of two years or less can create local and regional electricity supply challenges, it said.