US data center electricity demand is on track to hit 290 TWh by 2030, nearly doubling from 2022. AI will drive most of that growth, but the real disruption is structural. (WoodMac)
Traditional utility planning hinges on predictable peak leads and seasonal demand curves. Data centers break that model with constant, high-baseload demand.
In Northern Virginia, capacity demand is rising 12% per year. Meanwhile, most IRPs and market designs still assume industrial growth follows yesterday’s rules.