How AI Data Centers are Pushing America’s Electric Grid to Its Limits ("Just the facts, mam.")

They say “ignorance is bliss”, but that's not really true. Everybody knows it's not a good thing to bury your head in the sand. No matter how uncomfortable or painful the truth is, IF you need to know THEN … YOU NEED TO KNOW!

When I was very young, my mother had a habit of answering my questions with “You'll understand it when you get older.” Her answer was frustrating, but guess what? When I got older, I did understand. 

A lot of tech talk goes straight over my head. While I may not understand what's being said, I don't ignore it and forget it. I usually file it away in memory banks because … one day I might understand.

I apply my mom's wise words to nebulous (might be "nefarious") tech talk that I hear or read. I sigh and think to myself: 'I'll understand later.'

💡💡💡

While casually perusing a newsletter I subscribe to, these statements caught my eye.

“AI data centers are draining the U.S. grid faster than it can be rebuilt. Utilities are warning of shortages. Federal agencies are fast-tracking permits. Big Tech is scrambling to lock up turbines, pipelines, and baseload power just to keep their AI systems alive.” (SOURCE: WealthDaily.com)

I immediately thought: 'Nah! That can't be right. (O.o) Is it?'

So I did a little research, and I have to say that … I'm a bit alarmed.

• BOTTOM LINE: The core claims in that statement are broadly supported by current reporting, though with important nuance. Here’s what the evidence shows, broken down by each part of the claim.

◆

1. “AI data centers are draining the U.S. grid faster than it can be rebuilt.”

(Supported, with nuance.)

Multiple authoritative sources confirm that AI-driven data center growth is outpacing the speed at which utilities can expand generation and transmission:

• The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) issued a Level 3 alert—its highest warning—citing “significant risks” to grid reliability from large data centers and AI loads.

• POWER Magazine reports that power availability has become the limiting factor for where and how fast hyperscale AI data centers can be built, because these facilities now require 300–600 MW each, comparable to a mid-sized city.

• Forbes notes that regions like Northern Virginia and Texas are hitting capacity limits, with utilities struggling to keep up with demand.

Conclusion: The grid is not literally being “drained,” but demand from AI data centers is growing faster than grid infrastructure can be expanded, creating real constraints*.

[*So?  They're NOT crying wolf?🐺]

◆

2. “Utilities are warning of shortages.”

(Supported.)

• Utility CEOs in Texas*, the Midwest, and Virginia have publicly warned that AI-related load growth is straining capacity.

• Grid operators in Texas, the Great Plains, and the mid-Atlantic region project major electricity demand spikes driven largely by data centers.

• NERC’s Level 3 alert itself is a formal warning of potential reliability shortfalls.

Conclusion: Yes — utilities and grid monitors are issuing explicit warnings.

[*Really? I live in Texas, and the ads I see on TV practically say data centers were sent from God! The Texas data centers offer high-paying jobs and are used to run systems that keep our schools and streets safe. Any idea how many mass shootings we've had at schools in Texas?]

◆

3. “Federal agencies are fast-tracking permits.”

(Partially supported.)

While the statement is directionally correct, the evidence is more nuanced:

• The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order 2023, which streamlines interconnection processes and accelerates timelines for connecting new generation and large loads. This indirectly helps data centers by speeding up the clean energy projects they depend on.

• Grid operators and regulators have formed special task forces to accelerate large load interconnections.

Conclusion: Federal agencies are taking steps to accelerate permitting and interconnection, though the phrase “fast tracking permits” is a simplification.

[*Fast-tracking? Under the Trump administration? Why am I not surprised?]

◆

4. “Big Tech is scrambling to lock up turbines, pipelines, and baseload power just to keep their AI systems alive.”

(Supported in spirit, though phrased dramatically.)

Evidence shows that major tech companies are aggressively securing dedicated power sources:

• Some developers are contracting directly with private power producers or installing on-site natural gas generators because grid capacity is insufficient.

• Utilities and developers are turning to natural gas and nuclear to provide 24/7 baseload power for AI data centers.

• Exxon and Chevron have announced plans to enter the power supply market specifically to serve data centers, including natural gas-powered generation.

Conclusion: Big Tech and energy companies are indeed racing to secure* reliable baseload power, though the imagery of “scrambling” is rhetorical.

[*Seems like Big Tech and energy companies are always racing to secure their “power”. What do they care? They're moving to Mars. Right?]

◆◆

Overall Assessment

The WD statement is directionally accurate and substantially supported by current reporting, though it uses dramatic language. Here is a summary of the VERIFIED FACTS:

• AI data center demand is growing extremely fast.

• Grid capacity is struggling to keep up.

• Utilities and regulators are issuing warnings and accelerating processes.

• Tech companies are securing dedicated energy sources, including gas and potentially nuclear.

The only part that is somewhat overstated is the implication* of a federal emergency–style “fast track,” but federal and regional regulators are accelerating interconnection and permitting reforms.

[*I used to work for the federal government. Based on my real work experience, I'm inclined to believe the “implication” is SPOT ON! When you're assessing anything being done by the federal government and the US military, ALWAYS IMAGINE THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO. If it turns out not to be how you imagined, you'll breathe a sigh of relief.]

***

SOURCES/REFERENCES:

►► AI Data Centers Straining the Grid

Baker, Mike. “Data Centers Are Gobbling Up America’s Electricity.” The New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024.
Nicas, Jack. “The A.I. Boom Could Use a Lot of Power. How Green Will It Be?” The New York Times, 9 Feb. 2024.

►► Utility Warnings and Grid Reliability Alerts

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). 2023–2024 Long-Term Reliability Assessment. NERC, Dec. 2023.
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). NERC Issues Level 3 Alert on Large Load Interconnection. NERC, 2024.

►► Federal Agencies Accelerating Permitting / Interconnection

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Order No. 2023: Improvements to Generator Interconnection Procedures and Agreements. FERC, 2023.
Eisen, Joel B., and Emily Hammond. “FERC’s New Interconnection Rules Aim to Speed Up Clean Energy Deployment.” Harvard Environmental Law Review, 2023.

► ► Big Tech Securing Turbines, Pipelines, and Baseload Power

Meyer, Robinson. “Big Tech’s Next Big Energy Play.” Heatmap News, 2024.
Sorkin, Andrew Ross. “Tech Giants Are Buying Up Power to Feed A.I.” The New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024.
DiChristopher, Tom. “Exxon and Chevron Plan to Supply Power to Data Centers.” CNBC, 22 Jan. 2024.

► ► Regional Grid Constraints (Virginia, Texas, Midwest)

Sverdlik, Yevgeniy. “Northern Virginia’s Data Center Boom Is Running Out of Power.” Data Center Knowledge, 2023.
Malik, Naureen. “Texas Grid Strains Under Data Center and Crypto Mining Demand.” Bloomberg, 2024.

It's not just Texas and Virginia.  Georgia and Nevada are also having problems.  There very likely will be more!  

***

NOTE:  As I stated earlier, a lot of tech talk goes over my head.  So the research was done, and this content was prepared using a free Microsoft AI tool. The notes marked [*...] are just ME (not AI), just babbling to myself. 😟

Pentagon News You Need to Know

The Pentagon doesn't typically announce eight contracts in a single day. But they did!

In a single coordinated announcement, the Department of War signed agreements with eight major AI firms to deploy their models on the most highly classified military networks in the country.

1. Amazon Web Services
2. Google
3. Microsoft
4. OpenAI
5. SpaceX
6. Nvidia
7. Oracle
8. Reflection AI (a 2-year-old start-up).

They can operate inside Impact Levels 6 and 7 networks — the systems that handle secret and top-secret military data.

Some say this is a watershed moment for the AI industry.

And it's an even bigger moment for defense investors.

“The agreements give all eight companies the green light to deploy their AI models for what the Pentagon calls "lawful operational use" — which is bureaucratic-speak for 'whatever the military decides it needs them for.'"

INFO SOURCE: Wealth Daily newsletter

***

WHAT I THINK:

So when Trump says the stock is doing well under his administration, what he really means is that the average citizen may have to pay more for groceries and gas, but … so what! His buddies are being told that defense assets is where it's at! Trump doesn't care what the poll numbers say. If people don't think his handling of the economy is good … so what! He's building “bigger barns”. TRUMP KNOWS WHAT HE'S DOING!

Are We the People happy?🗽O??

SO WHAT!!

The goat and the pig are doing their own thing.

President Trump = 🐐🟠 ~ Truth?

SOW Pete Hegseth = 🐷~ Right?

Previously published via Tumblr.

"President Trump never forgets." #quotes #SOW #PeteHegseth said on behalf of #POTUS #Trump, warning #NATO they'll regret not being an ally. It's so scary. The pig🐖 is being a bully for the orange goat 🐐🟠in the diaper, who is huffing & puffing like a wolf. Is this a remake of #AnimalFarm OR 1984?🤔

— [ᴛʀᴇᴀᴛʜʏʟ ꜰᴏx ᴀᴋᴀ ᴄᴍᴏɴᴇʏꜱᴘɪɴɴᴇʀ] 💖 (@cmoneyspinner.bsky.social) 2026-03-31T19:06:40.963Z

American History: Really Cool History About American Presidents

In my lifetime, I have lived through the administrations of presidents of the United States from Eisenhower to Obama. They left their “footprints” in America's historical records for future generations of citizens. Let's hope the country is still standing for those generations.

From my childhood to the present date, I can remember the following presidents of the United States:

• Dwight Eisenhower (1953 – 1961)
• John F. Kennedy (1961 – Nov 22, 1963)
• Lyndon Johnson (1963 – 1969)
• Richard Nixon (1969 – 1974)
• Gerald Ford (1974 – 1977)
• Jimmy Carter (1977 – 1981)
• Ronald Reagan (1981 – 1989)
• George Bush Sr. (1989 – 1993)
• William J. Clinton (1993 – 2001)
• George Bush Jr. (2001 – 2009)
• Barack Obama (2009 – 2017)

Donald Trump (2017 – 2021 )

• Joe Biden (2021 - 2024)

At the time of this writing, it is March 2020*. We are in the midst of the presidential campaign process. Somebody has to be nominated as the Democratic candidate. That person will run for the highest office in this country and whoever he or she is, they hope “We the People” will vote for them and unseat our current Republican president, Donald Trump. Whenever this time in American history comes around, i.e. the political process of choosing a new fearless leader, I am always thankful.

• I’m thankful Americans have the right to VOTE.
• I’m thankful our POTUS is not a despicable king or queen who can’t be dethroned or worse a ruthless dictator who nobody can get rid of.
• I’m thankful the U.S. Constitution limits the president’s term in office to 4 years and that the president can only serve for 2 terms.
• I’m thankful I have survived all of the presidents as far back as I can remember and that our country is still standing.
• I’m thankful that I’m living and American.

I found some really cool tweets that reflect interesting moments in time. The history covered in tweets is during the timeline from Eisenhower to Johnson. When Nixon took office I was attending university and I became discouraged, dissatisfied, and disinterested in American politics. I’ve never really quite regained my enthusiasm and interest. But I didn’t bury my head in the sand either. America is still the land that I love. God Bless America.

Cool Tweets About American Presidents

*Original content source:  Virily.com, March 5, 2020

Tuesday, 

November 3

Election Day (US) 2020 in United States

To ALL Americans who VOTE (and those who don't):

Remember this country's history.  Recall the aspirations and ideals of our Founding Fathers.  Remember those who shed blood for this land.  Not just those who fought as soldiers in the military, but including the original natives and those who were slaves.  America exists because of their sweat, blood, and tears.

Understand this.  You can not rely solely on a leader to make America a great nation.  Building this country is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.  The leader you choose does not carry this weight on his or her shoulders all alone.  The leader is an ordinary citizen, just like you and me, who should be humbled and honored to SERVE "We the People".  The elected leader should respect the oath of office and approach the duties of the office of the presidency with gravity and sincerity and a genuine heart FOR THE COUNTRY AND FOR THE PEOPLE. 

Know this.  A country is nothing without dutiful, loyal, patriotic citizens who love their country, live peacefully in their country, and work TOGETHER to build their country.

Think about this when you vote.
Think about this even if you don't vote.

Original content source: Medium.com

Dear Joe and Jane Illegal: Why Come to US? (An Opinion Piece)

Responding to a blog post titled "There’s a Reason Why so many Illegal Immigrants come to the United States", which presents a very interesting point of view. This blog post is my further elaboration and discussion of the subject.

There are only two reasons people risk slipping across the border to enter a country when they know they could be locked up if they caught or shot dead where they stand. Either they are coming in the hopes of a better life OR they are coming to do some damage in that country. They got an agenda and it's not pretty! For the sake of this discussion, let's ignore the ones with bad intentions. Let's talk about the ones that are only coming to another country for a better life.

• Here's my observation.  They keep coming!  It's not a matter of being prejudiced or being unwelcoming.  It's just scientific fact.  A country can only support so many people.  What can we do to stop them from coming? 

• Here is a possible solution. How about the government of the countries these people are running TO get into together with the countries they are running FROM and see if they can come up with ways to make things better for those folks who are living there. Common sense! If you got a happy home you don't want to leave it! If life is good for you where you live you don't want to move!

Wouldn't it be nice if we could do that?  Think about it.  How did the foreign businesses get set up in a country? The owners must have negotiated with somebody! They didn't just waltz into the country, pick a piece of land, build on it, and then start hiring the locals! Foreigners just don't walk into other countries and start transacting business. Do they? (O.o)

If businesses can move their factories to a country and create jobs for citizens, why can't governments negotiate with other governments to create better-living conditions for those same citizens? It sounds “doable”. Doesn't it? Seems like a win-win for both. Make for good relations between nations.


Of course, that's just wishful thinking on my part. This solution probably won't work because nine times of out of ten, the country that people are running away FROM is either physically suffering from famine or some other disaster, or life there is unbearable because of oppressive corrupt government officials and/or criminal gangs and/or both! A famine or a natural disaster can be handled by humanitarian assistance. But not if corrupt government officials and thugs intercept the aid that is intended to help those in distress.


As long as there are countries that mistreat and abuse THEIR OWN CITIZENS, those human beings are going to FLEE FOR THEIR LIVES!! They do not care that they are illegals in a foreign country, because in their country they left they were citizens with no human rights! So they probably figure, what the difference of their status in either country? They got no rights either way!


As for folks who hire illegals.  As the old expression goes: If you're not part of the solution, you must be part of the problem.  Unfortunately, there are evildoers on both sides of the fence. For the person coming across the border, they run away from one oppressor into the arms of another oppressor. What does the poor human being do just to live? They rationalize and think: ‘Sure this person's is treating me wrong. But they're not treating me near as bad as where I came from!'


To this day, I don't know why the folks who hire illegals are not to sent to prison and/or made to pay hefty fines and penalties. They're breaking the law too!  They are not providing a solution and just adding on to the problem.


NOTE: Content first appears at LiteracyBase, Nov 17, 2016.

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Can Trump's anti-immigrant border wall be built without immigrant labor?

Border agents don't want an opaque, precast concrete wall. Financially, the wall is unlikely to be built without immigrant labor. And historically, large-scale border walls don't keep people out as much as signal that an empire is caving in. Here's why Donald Trump's...

• MY COMMENTS: Can Trump’s anti-immigrant border wall be built without immigrant labor? Can honestly say that the thought never even crossed my mind. There is a related article at this site in which architects suggests that the wall could be built with shipping containers and micro-housing units. (https://archinect.com/news/article/149996309/these-architects-actually-proposed-building-the-border-wall-with-shipping-containers-and-micro-housing-units) That's another idea that didn't occur to us. A Texas contractor won a $145 million contract to build the Trump Wall. (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/border-wall-texas-contractor-slsco-wins-145-million-contract-for-6-mile-wall-rio-grande-valley/ ) How are they going to build it? It's their problem. With that kind of money, they should be able to solve it.