Pa. data centers will use much more energy over next 5 years, state Public Utility Commission estimates

Data centers in Pennsylvania are forecast to use a lot more energy over the next five years than they already do, according to the state Public Utility Commission. Its outlook shows a possible 19% increase for industrial customers. Other businesses are predicted to use only about .03% more than current levels. Homes are forecast to use about a .05% more. The PUC says the "most dramatic projected growth" is in PPL's territory -- parts of Bucks and Chester counties and much of central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Industrial electricity usage there is forecast to jump by more than 50% every year through 2030, due almost entirely to data centers. Regulators say they're working to ensure infrastructure can keep pace, and that the costs of the energy needs "are appropriately addressed rather than simply shifted to existing families and businesses."