Utility Dive: Surging Data Center Power Demand Risks Subtracting Clean Energy from the Grid
Brad Viator’s recent column in Utility Dive promotes sensible utility regulation, “Surging data center power demand risks subtracting clean energy from the grid.”
"Regulators and policymakers must react effectively to big tech’s acquisition of renewable resources by driving investments in new dispatchable energy and capacity…” Brad added:
"Fortunately, there are mechanisms in some parts of the country that can prevent this subtraction without FERC’s intervention. State regulators in traditionally regulated markets have the authority to control electricity supply, and to approve deals like the one AWS and Talen Energy signed. Regulators in Pennsylvania and other wholesale markets should take notice and redevelop the tools they eliminated when they deregulated electricity markets in the last century. This will preserve the ability to advocate for consumers and ensure carbon-free capacity remains available.”