States Face Power Shortages Fueling Price Rises

January 23, 2026 — Rising electricity demand, driven by rapid data-center construction and PJM forecasts of nearly 5% annual growth, is straining U.S. power systems. The piece links retirements of coal, gas, and nuclear plants and strict Renewable Portfolio Standards to supply shortfalls and higher prices, noting December power prices rose almost 7% year-over-year and some state rate hikes reached about 20%.