NEWS: By 2030, data center and crypto load could boost regional US electricity costs by up to 57%.

The damage: These figures come from a new paper published in the journal Environmental Research Letters. Price increases could prove highest in states like VA, PA, MD, NJ, and west TX. Meanwhile, power-sector CO2 emissions could rise up to 28% by 2030 due to ramped-up natural gas and coal generation.

The quicker, cleaner route? Sightline Climate identified over 22 GW of low-carbon capacity that could deliver in roughly three years (mostly by reusing existing infrastructure). The biggest pool? 16 GW from the solar+BESS projects deep in ERCOT's interconnection queue. 

The grid isn’t waiting: Amid sizzling temps and planned plant maintenance, the DOE issued an emergency order letting PJM curtail data centers (and other large loads with backup generation) through today. It's a last resort before rolling blackouts, and follows similar January orders covering PJM, Duke Carolinas/Progress, and ERCOT.