Xcel Energy, a major power company in Colorado, is planning to expand its electricity generation and transmission capacity to meet projected demand from data centers, which could reach 8.5 gigawatts by 2040. The company has already received pending applications from data centers seeking 5.8 gigawatts of power, enough to serve over 3 million homes. Xcel aims to add 12 to 14 gigawatts of new infrastructure at a cost of $22 billion. However, critics, including the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and consumer advocates, question the realism of the demand forecast, with regulators expressing skepticism about the projected load, which they say exceeds historical trends and lacks certainty. The PUC has urged Xcel to revise its forecast, suggesting a more conservative estimate of 5 to 7.6 gigawatts by 2031.

Rising utility bills across several East Coast states, particularly in New Jersey, are becoming a major political issue ahead of the upcoming governor's race. Residents report significant increases in their energy costs, with some bills tripling. The price hikes are attributed to increased energy demand driven by artificial intelligence, data centers, electrification, and U.S. manufacturing. PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. grid operator, is cited as a key player, with critics accusing it of delaying the integration of renewable energy and maintaining older, more expensive coal and gas plants. Policy analysts and political figures, including New Jersey Policy Perspective's Alex Ambrose and energy consultant Rob Gramlich, argue that affordability is a central concern influencing voter sentiment. Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill has criticized PJM for prioritizing fossil fuels over clean energy, while Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli has blamed state-level decisions for shutting down power plants. A recent poll shows that 26% of voters blame utility companies, 19% blame Democratic Governor Phil Murphy (who is not seeking re-election), and 10% blame energy producers. Experts warn that energy affordability could significantly impact election outcomes, referencing the 2003 California recall that followed an energy crisis.

Utilities in the U.S., particularly in states within the PJM Interconnection region, are pushing for legislation to allow them to build and own power plants, arguing that this would provide reliability and cost savings amid rising electricity demand from data centers and AI. However, consumer advocates and independent power producers warn that this move would shift risks onto ratepayers and could lead to higher prices and reduced competition. The debate is currently active in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, with proposals such as Senate Bill 897 in Pennsylvania and Assembly Bill 5439 in New Jersey. Critics argue that the push is primarily driven by utilities' desire to maximize profits rather than public benefit, while some analysts suggest exploring consumer-friendly alternatives to restore reliability without abandoning market competition.

Utilities in the U.S., particularly in states within the PJM Interconnection region, are pushing for legislative changes to allow them to own and build power plants, arguing that this would ensure reliability and cost savings amid rising electricity demand from data centers and AI. However, consumer advocates and independent power producers warn that this move would shift financial risks to ratepayers and could undermine competitive markets, which have historically driven efficiency and lower prices. The debate is currently active in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, with proposals such as Senate Bill 897 in Pennsylvania and Assembly Bill 5439 in New Jersey under consideration. Critics argue that utilities are primarily motivated by profit opportunities rather than public benefit, while some analysts suggest a balanced approach exploring consumer-friendly alternatives to market competition.

During the recent legislative session in Indiana, utility companies and the Indiana Energy Association significantly increased spending on gifts and entertainment for lawmakers to support pro-nuclear legislation, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs). The lobbying efforts, which included meals, sports tickets, and legal compensation, targeted key legislators such as Sen. Eric Koch and Rep. Ed Soliday, who led the push for legislation allowing utilities to recover development costs before construction begins. Critics, including consumer advocates, argue that the legislation risks passing rate increases to ratepayers and point to past failures of nuclear projects, such as the abandoned Marble Hill plant and NuScale Power’s failed Idaho SMR initiative. The new laws, including Senate Enrolled Act 424 and House Enrolled Act 1007, provide cost recovery mechanisms and tax incentives but face skepticism over their cost-effectiveness, risk, and consumer protections.