"In Virginia, wholesale electricity prices climbed above $1,800 on Sunday compared to around $200 the day prior, CNBC reports. Utility Dominion Energy, the biggest energy provider, didn't immediately respond to questions from The Verge about factors influencing rising wholesale costs, and how much that would affect residential customers' bills. The company announced on Monday that it had restored power to 85 percent of 48,000 customers impacted by the storm in Virginia."
"Kumar is quick to add that it's still too early to say exactly what impact data centers have had on power grids during this week's cold snap, and that the effects can vary from place to place. But this week's stress test will be important to watch amid the challenges power grids face ahead as the US copes with a shifting energy landscape and a changing climate."
A major winter storm across 34 states left hundreds of thousands without electricity while lingering bitter cold continued to strain power systems already pressured by rapid AI data center growth. Wholesale electricity prices surged in Virginia, which hosts many data centers, jumping above $1,800 on Sunday from about $200 the prior day. Utilities worked to restore service after widespread outages, with Dominion Energy reporting restoration for most affected customers. Experts note increased pricing volatility tied to rising demand, but emphasize that local impacts vary as grids confront electrification, industrial growth, and climate-driven weather extremes.
Read at The Verge
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