If data center load growth skyrockets, ERCOT North wholesale prices could spike nearly 79% above baseline by 2027. (Utility Dive)
EIA forecasts that the ERCOT and PJM regions—both containing hyperscaler hot spots—will see annual load growth of 10% and 3.2%, respectively, from 2025-2027.
And in a high-demand scenario? For ERCOT, that figure reaches 15%. As for ERCOT North specifically, it could reach around 79% above the $47.39/MWh baseline.
Most regions, including PJM, may see only 4-5% price bumps in this extreme case. The PJM regional grid, for example, is linked with neighboring grids and has more fossil fuel capacity to absorb the load.