ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A booming build-out of massive data centers in the region is driving a major energy crunch and causing utility bills to soar for millions of residents.

Maryland State Senator Katie Fry Hester has launched a multi-state collaborative of lawmakers to confront the regional grid operator, PJM Interconnection, and challenge how the costs are being allocated.

“(This is about a process) that ultimately will decide who will pay for the 32 gigawatts of new data center load,” Hester said. “Which is over $100 billion decision.”

The Problem: $100 Billion Question

The PJM region faces a projected 32 gigawatts (GW) of new data center load by 2028, a surge in demand equivalent to adding a major city's energy needs annually.

Lawmakers are focusing on a process at PJM — the Critical I

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