Data Centers Added $6.5 Billion to Big US Grid’s Power Cost (1)

Data centers tied to the biggest US grid just tacked on another $6.5 billion to the cost of procuring power supplies, adding to concerns the artificial intelligence boom is worsening energy inflation.

After a December auction held by grid operator PJM Interconnection LLC, costs attributable to data centers totaled $23.1 billion for June 2025 through May 2028, independent watchdog Monitoring Analytics LLC said in a report Monday. These fast-growing consumers accounted for 49% of the total cost of $47.2 billion for three consecutive auctions held since mid-2024.

Data centers require massive amounts of energy, and the ability to ...