E&E News by POLITICO: Estimates jump again for AI-fueled power demand
U.S. peak electricity demand is now projected to grow by as much as 128 gigawatts through 2029, quintupling earlier forecasts, according to a report from a prominent power sector consulting firm. “It’s really eye-opening. I think it’s the first time we’ve seen those types of numbers,” said Karen Onaran, CEO of the Electricity Consumers Resource Council, which represents large industrial users.
The risk of getting the projections wrong are significant, noted Onaran of the Electricity Consumers Resource Council. Investing too little to upgrade and expand the grid could lead to blackouts. But building too much capacity could saddle residential consumers with excessive utility rates. “We need to get better at forecasting,” she said. “If we don’t get it right, it’s going to be disastrous.”
The risk of getting the projections wrong are significant, noted Onaran of the Electricity Consumers Resource Council. Investing too little to upgrade and expand the grid could lead to blackouts. But building too much capacity could saddle residential consumers with excessive utility rates. “We need to get better at forecasting,” she said. “If we don’t get it right, it’s going to be disastrous.”