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Faster-than-Expected Data Center Load Growth May Cause Increased Regional Short-term Fossil Fuel Generation and Wholesale Electricity Prices

LCG, March 18, 2026--The EIA released a new "In-depth Analysis" of the potential impact of faster-than-expected near-term growth in data center power demand on power generation and wholesale prices on March 12. The analysis models the lower 48 states through 2027 and compares results to its base case scenario. Key takeaway from this sensitivity analysis is the potential increase in fossil fuels in some regions and potentially a significant increase in wholesale prices in ERCOT.

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Faster-than-Expected Data Center Load Growth May Cause Increased Regional Short-term Fossil Fuel Generation and Wholesale Electricity Prices

LCG, March 18, 2026--The EIA released a new "In-depth Analysis" of the potential impact of faster-than-expected near-term growth in data center power demand on power generation and wholesale prices on March 12. The analysis models the lower 48 states through 2027 and compares results to its base case scenario. Key takeaway from this sensitivity analysis is the potential increase in fossil fuels in some regions and potentially a significant increase in wholesale prices in ERCOT.

Read more

Industry News

Xcel Announces Generation Expansion Plans for Minnesota

LCG, November 3, 2004--On Monday, Xcel Energy submitted to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission its biennial Resource Plan that describes its forecast electric load growth and corresponding supply resources.

One key element of the supply plan is to extend the operating licenses of the base-load, Prairie Island and Monticello nuclear power plants, which provide about one fifth of the electricity consumed by Minnesota customers. The Monticello plant's license expires in 2010, and licenses for Prairie Island's two units expire in 2013 and 2014. The extensions would add 20 years to the operating life of each unit.

To supplement existing supplies, Xcel proposes to add 1,125 MW of generating capacity by 2015, with the most likely fuel being coal. To pursue new, base-load capacity Xcel proposes an alternative to competitive bidding because, as stated in the Resource Plan, that process is "not well suited to evaluate coal and large-scale" plants. In September, Xcel took a similar stance with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission when its regulated affiliate, Public Service of Colorado, submitted its Least-cost Resource Plan and requested a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to build a 750 MW expansion of its coal-fired, Comanche Station with a waiver from the competitive bidding process.

Xcel also plans on adding up to 550 MW of "peaking" capacity by 2015. In addition, the Resource Plan includes increasing wind generating capacity from about 500 MW to almost 1,700 MW of wind power.

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