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US grid operator to cut power to data centers amid surging demand

By PulseAugur Editorial · [2 sources] ·

The largest U.S. electrical grid operator, PJM Interconnection, plans to implement temporary power cuts for large data centers starting in June 2027 to prevent blackouts. This measure is a response to the rapidly increasing electricity demand from data centers, which are projected to quadruple their usage by 2035. Data centers exceeding 50 megawatts will be subject to these cuts, with compensation provided, and the move may encourage on-site power generation or reliance on backup generators. AI

IMPACT This decision highlights the growing strain on energy infrastructure due to AI's computational demands, potentially impacting data center expansion and operational costs.

RANK_REASON Policy change by a major grid operator impacting a significant industry sector. [lever_c_demoted from significant: ic=1 ai=0.7]

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AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 2 sources. How we write summaries →

US grid operator to cut power to data centers amid surging demand

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Signal score
0 / 100
Composite score across the factors below. Higher = stronger signal that this story matters right now.
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Research
Policy change by a major grid operator impacting a significant industry sector. [lever_c_demoted from significant: ic=1 ai=0.7]
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2 independent sources
Multiple independent publishers reporting the same story raises confidence that it's real and newsworthy.
Topics
infra, policy
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High
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60 days old
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+1 source(s) since last score
New sources have picked up this story since our last re-score. Score will update on the next scoring pass.

Full methodology in our editorial standards.

COVERAGE [2]

  1. Mastodon — sigmoid.social TIER_1 English(EN) · [email protected] ·

    Data centers may face temporary power cuts to prevent blackouts on largest US grid as rapid construction strains power generation. Source: TechCrunch AI https:/

    Data centers may face temporary power cuts to prevent blackouts on largest US grid as rapid construction strains power generation. Source: TechCrunch AI https:// techcrunch.com/2026/07/28/data -centers-may-face-temporary-power-cuts-to-prevent-blackouts-on-largest-us-grid/ # AI # …

    LINKS techcrunch.com/…/data-centers-may-face-te…
  2. TechCrunch AI TIER_1 English(EN) · Tim De Chant ·

    Data centers may face temporary power cuts to prevent blackouts on largest US grid

    The largest grid operator in the U.S. says it will cut power to large data centers to prevent blackouts starting next year.

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