Pennsylvania Data Center Report Warns of Potential Power Shortages

Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chair Steve DeFrank addressed concerns over data centers, citing the need for independent and objective reports on power consumption and cost. The PUC was required by the General Assembly to conduct a study on data center energy requirements.

The report found that if nothing changes, Pennsylvania could experience one 'Loss of Load' event every month, up from the current goal of one every decade. DeFrank emphasized that this doesn't mean blackouts will occur, but rather that some customers may not be able to access power due to affordability issues.

DeFrank pointed to Microsoft's agreement with Three Mile Island reactor restart as a model for data-hungry companies to follow. He suggested that companies like Microsoft should purchase power directly from the grid, rather than relying on the PJM electric grid's existing capacity.