Winter Storm Tests Power Grids Strained by AI Data Center Growth
By
Justine Calma
Slow-proofed and worth the wait. Worth its weight in flour.
Summary
Winter Storm Fern's extreme cold temperatures across 34 states tested power grids already strained by the rapid growth of AI data centers, causing electricity outages and pricing volatility. Energy experts note that while data centers are adding stress to grids, it's too early to quantify their specific impact during this particular cold snap, with effects varying regionally.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledThe colossal winter storm that swept across 34 states left hundreds of thousands of people without electricity.
Bitterly cold temperatures lingering after Winter Storm Fern are still testing power grids, already under stress from a rush of new AI data centers.
"It's certainly causing more pricing volatility," says Nikhil Kumar, program director at energy consulting firm GridLab.
Kumar is quick to add that it's still too early to say exactly what impact data centers have had on power grids during this week's cold snap, and that the effects can vary from place to place.
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