More load can lower fixed costs

Over the last half decade, wholesale electricity prices have increased 267% in places close to data centers. That’s contributed to a backlash against new ones. 

But some experts believe data centers are a scapegoat for long-term issues with an aging U.S. grid. Today on the show, we ask who is responsible for rising electricity prices and whether the U.S. can handle a new era of grid growth. 

Come see Planet Money live on stage! 12 cities. Details and tix here: planetmoneybook.com/#tour

Related episodes:
All these data centers are gonna fry my electric bill … right?
What AI data centers are doing to your electric bill 

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.  


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