AI Buildout Drives 76% Power Bill Jump on Largest US Grid

Power prices on the largest electric grid in the US jumped 76% in the first quarter due to rampant demand from data centers, adding to pressure on its operator to alleviate the strain on consumers.

The total cost of wholesale power on the 13-state grid managed by PJM Interconnection LLC averaged $136.53 per megawatt-hour in the first three months of the year, according to a report from Monitoring Analytics, the grid’s independent market monitor. That compares to $77.78 per megawatt-hour during the same period in 2025.