Utility Stocks Jump 6% as PJM Speeds Data Center Power Connections
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 20
Utility Stocks Jump 6% as PJM Speeds Data Center Power Connections
7 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 20
Constellation Energy and Vistra each rose about 6% on Wednesday, while NRG gained 4.6%, after PJM revised its process for linking data centers with power suppliers.
PJM Interconnection — the largest US electric grid operator — changed how data centers and generators can contract together and moved up the timetable for procuring supply.
The rally centered on power-plant owners, reflecting investor expectations that faster connection and contracting rules could unlock more electricity demand from data centers.
The move highlights how surging data-center growth is increasingly shaping US power markets, grid planning and utility valuations.
Beyond building more power plants, what innovations can curb the insatiable energy appetite of AI and data centers?
Can the rapid expansion of data centers coexist with climate goals, or will immense power demand force a return to fossil fuels?
Will tech giants or average households ultimately pay for the trillion-dollar grid upgrades needed to power the AI boom?