Surging electricity demand from artificial intelligence is eliminating the traditional off-peak periods on the US power grid, which previously saw relief between summer and winter peaks. The NERC forecasts summer peak demand growth of 224 gigawatts over the next decade and winter peak growth of 246 gigawatts, outpacing summer for the first time. PJM Interconnection alone expects an additional 30 gigawatts of data center demand by 2030. On October 19, 2026, FERC issued directives to six regional grid operators to justify their tariffs for large loads, with connection waits of 5 to 10 years already documented. Unlike traditional seasonal demand, data centers draw power continuously, removing the grid’s traditional breathing room between peak seasons.
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