Have you ever heard someone say, "Hey, we shouldn't make more things unless we have a way to keep them running with enough energy?" That is what is currently going on at PJM, which is the biggest power grid operator in the eastern part of the United States. When I saw this story, I thought, Wow! Finally, someone has said publicly what a lot of people have been thinking privately!
According to the market monitor, PJM frequently certifies new data centres as being ready to connect to the electrical grid, even though the grids might not have the resources necessary to support them completely.
Additionally, PJM should protect their residential and commercial customers from rising electricity prices due to new data centers.
I think that’s a reasonable request.
I really enjoy using AI tools, streaming media, and having access to high-speed internet; however, I also want to continue to have my lights on and a low electric bill. If PJM takes the time to plan, it will benefit everyone.
What Is Happening?
PJM's market monitor (the organization that keeps an eye on PJM's activities) reports to federal regulators overseeing electric power that PJM should not approve any more data centers unless PJM can guarantee that they will be able to be powered by the electrical grid without jeopardizing the reliability of the electrical grid and causing any.Why Do They Say This?
Data centres demand an incredible amount of electrical energy, primarily when they support AI technologies and cloud computing. Furthermore, many of the new data centre operators desire to establish connections to the power grid quickly.According to the market monitor, PJM frequently certifies new data centres as being ready to connect to the electrical grid, even though the grids might not have the resources necessary to support them completely.
What’s The Issue?
If the grid is at max capacity:- Lights may be turned off (blackouts). The cost of electricity could increase
- Everyone will be impacted by increased electricity prices, not just the tech companies.
What The Market Monitor Wants
The position of the market monitor is that PJM should only allow the construction of new data centers if there is a sufficient supply of electricity available to them. In order to connect data centers prior to their scheduled date for connection, it is required that the data center have its own source of electricity.Additionally, PJM should protect their residential and commercial customers from rising electricity prices due to new data centers.
I think that’s a reasonable request.
Conclusion
We should think about how many devices can be plugged into one outlet before it blows a breaker. The same goes for the grid, except on a much larger, noisier, and more costly scale.I really enjoy using AI tools, streaming media, and having access to high-speed internet; however, I also want to continue to have my lights on and a low electric bill. If PJM takes the time to plan, it will benefit everyone.