AI data centers drive PJM power prices up 76% (opens in new tab)

Wholesale power prices on PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. electric grid, rose about 76% year over year in the first quarter as data-center demand increased, according to reports citing Monitoring Analytics. The average total cost per megawatt-hour rose to $136.53 in the first three months of 2026 from $77.78 in the same period of 2025, The Register reported from the watchdog’s Q1 2026 state-of-the-market report. Monitoring Analytics, PJM’s official market monitor, said data-center load ...