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Data Centers Spark Power Bill Surge; Emergency Auction Proposed

1/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Data centers are increasingly locating within PJM, the regional grid spanning Virginia to Illinois.
This surge challenges PJM in managing loads.
Mark Christie, former FERC chairman, linked rising power bills to public blame on data centers.
Governors from 13 states and officials proposed an emergency auction for data center energy contracts to shift costs from ratepayers to Big Tech, but critics doubt it will prevent consumer price hikes.

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Story summary

Data centers are increasingly locating within PJM, the regional grid spanning Virginia to Illinois.
This surge challenges PJM in managing loads.
Mark Christie, former FERC chairman, linked rising power bills to public blame on data centers.
Governors from 13 states and officials proposed an emergency auction for data center energy contracts to shift costs from ratepayers to Big Tech, but critics doubt it will prevent consumer price hikes.