US electric grids under pressure from energy-hungry data centers are changing strategy

Core Insights - The rapid growth of Big Tech's data centers is straining U.S. electricity grids, prompting policymakers to consider disconnecting these energy-intensive facilities during power emergencies [1][2] - Texas has initiated measures to protect residents from potential blackouts, particularly following the deadly winter storm in 2021, by implementing standards for power emergencies [3][4] - The demand for electricity from data centers is projected to spike significantly, leading to proposals for power-reduction programs in various regions, including the mid-Atlantic and Great Plains [6][7] Group 1: Policy Responses - Texas has passed legislation to establish standards for disconnecting large electric users during power emergencies to prevent blackouts [3] - The concept of managing data center energy consumption during peak demand is gaining traction in other states, particularly in the mid-Atlantic region [2][5] Group 2: Industry Impact - The emergence of generative AI technologies, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, has increased the demand for data centers, which require substantial computing power [4] - Grid operators are forecasting significant increases in electricity demand due to the proliferation of data centers, necessitating the expansion of power-reduction programs [6][7]