Virginia's data centers account for around 70% of the world's internet traffic, enabling billions of daily transactions and AI queries. Energy demand from these centers is expected to almost double, particularly driven by AI. This surge will impact local power grids, resulting in increased electricity costs for consumers across Virginia and potentially beyond. The state has become the largest energy importer in the U.S., and the strain on its energy supplies will affect the broader PJM region, as infrastructure costs may shift to neighboring states.
Around 70% of the world's internet traffic flows through Virginia. The state's data centers make possible billions of transactions, video streams, and AI queries daily.
A single hyperscale data center can use the same amount of energy as a large city, stressing local power grids and expected to raise energy costs for residents.
João Ferreira projects that energy demand in Virginia will almost double due to AI and data centers, impacting electricity costs for ratepayers.
Virginia imports more energy than any state, with 50.1 million megawatt hours as of 2023, making the state's energy expansion impact the PJM region.
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