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Faster-than-Expected Data Center Load Growth May Cause Increased Regional Short-term Fossil Fuel Generation and Wholesale Electricity Prices

LCG, March 18, 2026--The EIA released a new "In-depth Analysis" of the potential impact of faster-than-expected near-term growth in data center power demand on power generation and wholesale prices on March 12. The analysis models the lower 48 states through 2027 and compares results to its base case scenario. Key takeaway from this sensitivity analysis is the potential increase in fossil fuels in some regions and potentially a significant increase in wholesale prices in ERCOT.

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Faster-than-Expected Data Center Load Growth May Cause Increased Regional Short-term Fossil Fuel Generation and Wholesale Electricity Prices

LCG, March 18, 2026--The EIA released a new "In-depth Analysis" of the potential impact of faster-than-expected near-term growth in data center power demand on power generation and wholesale prices on March 12. The analysis models the lower 48 states through 2027 and compares results to its base case scenario. Key takeaway from this sensitivity analysis is the potential increase in fossil fuels in some regions and potentially a significant increase in wholesale prices in ERCOT.

Read more

Industry News

Minnesota Power in Long-term Coal Delivery Contract

LCG, May 30, 2001--Minnesota Power Co. said yesterday it had reached agreement with the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co. for transportation of coal to two of the utility's power plants, the Boswell Energy Center near Grand Rapids and to the Laskin Energy Center near Hoyt Lakes.

The company said the agreement makes it unnecessary for it to pursue construction of an alternative railroad line to serve the Boswell Energy Center.

Don Shippar, chief operating officer of Minnesota power, noted that fuel costs represent the major portion of the electricity purchased by the utility's customers. "Over the next several years, this new agreement will provide ongoing stability in our fuel delivery costs. In addition, this contract will keep our generating plants competitive in the wholesale energy market," he said.

Under terms of the agreement, the railroad will ship all of the utility's coal needs for the two plants more than four million tons a year through 2011. Minnesota Power said it uses low-sulfur, sub-bituminous coal exclusively from the Powder River Basin in Montana and Wyoming.

Of course, that was when the Burlington was the Burlington and the Santa Fe was the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe.

"Do you hear that whistle down the line? I reckon that it's engine number forty-nine. She's the only one that sounds that way, on the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe."

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