Data from FERC Form 714 shows grid planners expect nationwide power demand to grow 4.7% over the next five years, compared to a previous estimate of 2.6%.

Dive Brief:

• U.S. electric load is growing significantly faster than grid planners previously expected, led by new manufacturing and industry and the growth of data centers, according to a Tuesday report from Grid Strategies. Electrification, hydrogen production and severe weather are also contributing.
• Reports filed this year with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission show grid planners expect nationwide electricity demand to grow 4.7 % over the next five years — while 2022 estimates called for just 2.6% growth. Peak demand is expected to grow 38 GW over the next five years.
• The electric grid “is not prepared for significant load growth,” the report concludes. “Low transfer capability between regions is a key risk for reliability if load growth outpaces deployment of new generation in some regions.”

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