Exelon CEO Calvin Butler talks AI's power demand and looming power shortages

Supply-Demand Imbalance - Increased load and demand are at levels not seen in the last 30-40 years, while the industry continues to operate under 50-year-old rules [4] - Utilities in the PJM marketplace, which do not own generation, are experiencing the greatest imbalance [4] - Vertically integrated utilities, representing 30-40% of the country, are not facing the same issues as they are increasing supply [5] - Customers are bearing the brunt of the supply shortage due to affordability issues [5] Addressing the Shortage - PJM recognizes its shortfalls and is working internally to address them [6] - Governors across the PJM states are collaborating on proposals to increase generation and address customer affordability issues [7][8] - Solutions will require short, mid, and long-term strategies and collective effort [8] Factors Contributing to Increased Demand - Data centers and AI are contributing to increased demand, but are not the sole cause [9] - Onshoring, manufacturing, and the electrification of everything are simultaneously creating a "perfect storm" [10] - Existing generator base is incentivized to maintain current load levels to maximize dollar value [10] Proposed Solutions - Allowing utilities to re-enter the generation business, with state control and management, could provide cost certainty and clarity [11] - Exelon CEO suggests combined cycle gas turbines, community solar, and battery storage as potential solutions [12]