Data Centers Drive 76% Surge In PJM Power Prices

"The findings highlight inflationary pressures on electricity costs in mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states. “The price impacts on customers have been very large and are not reversible,” the grid market monitor said."

"Power prices in the nation’s largest grid market jumped almost 76 percent in the first quarter year-over-year, showcasing how energy demand driven by data centers is remaking the economy across the mid-Atlantic and Midwest.

Monitoring Analytics, the independent monitor for the regional grid, PJM Interconnection, said Thursday that the total cost of wholesale power in the region increased to $136.53 per megawatt-hour in the first three months of the year, up from $77.78 during the same quarter in 2025. The findings highlight the inflationary pressures facing residents of multiple battleground states heading into midterm elections.

“The price impacts on customers have been very large and are not reversible,” the market monitor said. “The price impacts will be even larger in the near term unless the issues associated with data center load are addressed in a timely manner.”"

Christa Marshall reports for E&E News May 15, 2026.