Electric Blackouts are Becoming More Common Due to National Data Center Expansion
Why we oppose a new AI Data Center in Tompkins County: Mini Series Part 5
Cold-Weather Blackouts and Higher Prices
A recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation found that data center–driven growth in electricity demand is expected to more than double this winter, adding to the risk of cold-weather blackouts, particularly in data center hot spots. According to a June report from Monitoring Analytics, data center load growth is the “primary reason” for precarious electricity capacity conditions, including the higher prices that consumers are seeing.
Increased Demands Attributed to Data Centers
An article published November 2025 in The Tech Buzz says “The AI boom just turned dangerous. Data centers are driving a massive 2.5% spike in North American electricity demand this winter - the biggest jump in years - and grid operators are warning that a severe storm could trigger widespread blackouts.” The 2.5% spike this winter - a massive jump from the typical 1% annual growth - is driven in large part by data centers, according to a new North American Electric Reliability Corporation report released in November.
Blackouts Can be Dangerous for Communities
To highlight the danger: in 2021 during winter storms in Texas, energy infrastructure failed and left more than 4.5 million homes and businesses without power for days. Estimates of lives lost due to these blackouts vary from 246-702. In rural communities with wells and electric well pumps, blackouts mean that water access is lost. Adding huge strains like AI data centers, to the grid, which we previously highlighted is facing “profound reliability challenges,” could contribute to potential blackouts.
We Have the Ability to Slow Down the Current Unregulated AI Boom by Rejecting TeraWulf’s Development in Lansing
AI data centers around the country are negatively impacting the energy grid. We do not support the creation of more AI data centers that will harm the way of life for thousands for the profit of few.
It is our duty to be informed about these big-picture topics related to AI and make the right decision for our community and for our lake.
Follow along this week for more of our mini series.
