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Data centers may face temporary power cuts to prevent blackouts on largest USgrid
PJM Interconnection plans to cut power to large data centers during shortages to prevent blackouts on the U.S. grid. This decision follows failures to increase generating capacity amidst a surge in data center electricity demand, expected to quadruple by 2035. The cuts begin in June 2027 and will apply to facilities over 50 megawatts, prompting reliance on backup generators, which are often less efficient and more polluting.
Key points
- PJM Interconnection has initiated a plan to curtail power to large data centers.
- This is a response to exceeding electricity demands and failures to secure more generating capacity.
- Data centers are projected to consume 4 times more electricity by 2035.
- The power cuts, affecting data centers over 50 megawatts, will start in June 2027.
- Operators will compensate affected users similar to other demand response programs.
- More data centers may invest in on-site power generation due to reliability concerns.
Why it matters
- The situation highlights ongoing issues with energy management as the demand for data services grows.
- The increasing electricity demands from data centers can relate to the broader energy crisis affecting power grids.
- This trend is consistent with 2025 IT trends emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency as data centers adapt to regulatory pressures.
The planned power cuts from PJM to large data centers indicate a significant turning point in energy management, balancing the needs of modern technology with grid capacity limitations, and spotlighting the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.