AI data centers trigger massive 'irreversible' 76% electricity price spike in largest US region — federal watchdog demands tech giants pay for their own power infrastructure

Monitoring Analytics says PJM wholesale power prices jumped 76% year over year, from $77.78 to $136.53 per MWh.

The watchdog blames surging data center demand and says PJM’s market rules are letting those costs spill onto other customers.

It argues AI hyperscalers should contract directly for new power capacity instead of shifting infrastructure costs to households and small businesses.

The report warns that folding AI-related demand into regional capacity forecasts could raise utility bills nationwide.