The symbiotic relationship between big tech and big utilities is being tested by the insatiable energy appetite of AI.
A single ChatGPT query consumes nearly 10x the energy of a standard Google search. As training models grow exponentially larger, so does the physical infrastructure required to power them. Utilities in Northern Virginia (Data Center Alley) are seeing load growth they haven't experienced in decades.
The Challenge: Flat vs. Peaky Load
Historically, data centers were loved by utilities for their flat, predictable load profiles. But AI training workloads are different—they can be bursty and incredibly dense. This density requires new substation designs and significant transmission upgrades.
We are entering a period where access to power, not fiber or land, is the primary constraint for the digital economy.