Pennsylvania
Data Centers Drive Higher Forecasts for Electric Demand in Pennsylvania, Sparking Climate Worries – Inside Climate News
Three electric-transmission zones that are wholly or partly in Pennsylvania are expected to see sharp increases in power demand from current and new data centers in the next few years, according to a new forecast from the grid operator PJM, underscoring concerns that the centers may hinder decarbonization and exceed the grid’s ability to supply all the energy people need.
PPL, supplying a region that includes Harrisburg and Scranton, is expected to see its summer peak load demand jump more than 60 percent by 2030 to about 12,000 megawatts, from the 2025 level of just over 7,300 MW, according to the PJM data released in late January.
The Allegheny Power Systems region, where FirstEnergy utilities serve parts of western and central Pennsylvania as well as portions of Maryland and West Virginia, is expected to see load rise to a peak of nearly 10,000 MW by 2030 from about 8,700 MW now. And ATSI, FirstEnergy’s transmission utility supplying parts of western Pennsylvania and Ohio, is forecast to increase its peak load demand to more than 14,400 MW by 2030 from about 12,800 MW now.
In all three cases, PJM attributed its forecast to increased demand from data centers. Transmission zones in other parts of Pennsylvania are expected to show less growth in power demand.
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Across the 13-state PJM area, the load forecast is driven by the growth of data centers, manufacturing and the electrification of buildings and vehicles. By 2030, the summer peak load forecast is expected to be 9.5 percent higher than was forecast for that point just last year, accelerating to an increase of 16.9 percent by 2035.
“This forecast captures the dramatic increases in future energy demand, as evidenced by the last two years when data center development has grown exponentially,” said Aftab Khan, PJM’s executive vice president for operations, planning and security, in a statement.
In 2024, the electricity industry’s research nonprofit, EPRI, forecast annual growth rates in power demand by data centers of 3.7 to 15 percent between 2023 and 2030, and said data centers could consume up to 9 percent of U.S. electricity generation by 2030—about twice the current share. AI queries use about 10 times the amount of power used by regular internet searches, EPRI said.
Pennsylvania has just over 70 data centers, according to Data Center Map, a company that connects buyers and sellers of those services. That’s about twice the number reported in 2018 by the consultant eConsult on the economic impact of data centers in the state.
The state’s planned data centers include one in Upper Burrell, near Pittsburgh, where data center operator TECfusions announced the purchase of a shuttered office and industrial park covering 1,395 acres to meet growing demand for AI. The company plans to use natural gas to generate power on site, it said in January.
The growth fuels concerns among environmentalists that the extra electricity demanded will come mostly from fossil-fuel sources, chiefly natural gas, setting back efforts to reduce the greenhouse gas pollution damaging the climate and driving ever-more destructive disasters.
“People across the country are trying to square the benefits that technology can bring with the real and growing impacts on the environment and consumers,” said Ellie Kerns, climate and clean energy advocate with the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, in a statement. The group co-published a recent report on the environmental impacts of data-center growth.
The report, “Big Data Centers, Big Problems,” urged data center owners and regulators to use renewable energy to run the centers, maximize their energy efficiency and reduce their impact on the grid.
For Pennsylvania, the challenge is shown by PPL’s forecast that it will need an extra 5,000 MW for anticipated data-center growth in its territory by 2030. That’s roughly five times the total consumption in all of New Hampshire.
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Those figures come from a January presentation by Kimberly Barrow, vice chair of Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission, to the Citizens Advisory Council of the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.
While surging power demand from data centers threatens to derail a shift away from fossil fuels, it may also be an opportunity if it stimulates renewed interest in nuclear power, a zero-emissions source, by the biggest operators of data centers, said Jackson Morris, director of state power-sector policy, climate and energy at the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council.
He cited Microsoft’s new agreement with Constellation Energy, owner of one of two nuclear reactors at Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania. The other reactor suffered a partial meltdown in 1979 in America’s worst nuclear power accident.
Constellation’s Unit 1, which was retired for economic reasons in 2019, now aims to restart in 2028, providing all its power to a new Microsoft data center. If such agreements between leading computing companies and power suppliers become more common, it could meet the big new demand for data-center power without slowing decarbonization or raising consumers’ electric bills, Morris argued.
But the proposed sale of a central-Pennsylvania data center to Amazon from Talen Energy, operator of an adjacent nuclear plant, shouldn’t happen because it would involve the temporary loss of a zero-emissions energy source to the grid, Morris said.
“That’s an example of how not to go about this transition because if you cannibalize existing zero-emissions, whether it’s nukes or renewables, you’re actually digging a deeper carbon hole,” he said.
“It’s got to be clean, it’s got to be affordable and it’s got to be reliable.”
— Jackson Morris, Natural Resources Defense Council
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ruled against the plan in November 2024, but Talen Energy has asked for a rehearing.
Whatever energy sources are used to supply data centers, the sharply increased demand represents a major challenge to power companies and regulators, Morris said.
“We haven’t seen load-growth projections like we’re seeing now since post-Second World War when the economy was booming,” he said. “What do you do about it? How do you meet it in a way that does not blow through our climate targets, that does not saddle consumers with billions of dollars of upgrade costs to accommodate that load, and how do you do it and maintain reliability? It’s got to be clean, it’s got to be affordable and it’s got to be reliable.”
But predictions that data centers will mean big new demand for electricity may be overblown, argued Sean O’Leary, senior analyst at the Ohio River Valley Institute, a think tank that monitors the economy of western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. O’Leary argues that PJM and other forecasters have often overstated anticipated demand growth, and that’s especially dangerous when power produced from natural gas, a fossil fuel, would be used to fill most of a perceived power shortage.
Those arguments got a boost in January with the release of a new model from DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, which showed that it uses less energy than other AI apps, implying that data centers may not, after all, use as much energy as predicted by PJM and other forecasters.
The release hurt the stocks of U.S.-based AI giant Nvidia as well as energy companies with a Pennsylvania presence, including Constellation and natural gas producer EQT.
If demand does rise, so would prices. But that may provide a strong incentive for some businesses to come up with solutions.
“Rising prices, such as those that would have resulted from the immense increases in demand that were being forecasted, create business opportunities for hardware, software and platforms that offer improved efficiency and, therefore, reduce demand,” O’Leary said.
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Some Pennsylvania towns make it easy to feel included within a day of arriving. In Lititz, summer concerts at Lititz Springs Park turn into informal reunions, with families setting up lawn chairs side by side and local shop owners joining once they lock their doors for the evening. In Boiling Springs, the path around Children’s Lake doubles as a daily check-in point where walkers greet each other by name before drifting into the cafés along Front Street. And in Ligonier, the Diamond and its bandstand pull residents downtown for markets and community events that rely on volunteers rather than outside organizers. The same pattern carries through the rest of the towns on our list.
Lititz
Lititz is in Lancaster County, about 6 miles north of the city of Lancaster. Founded in 1756, the town was named after a castle in Bohemia and initially served as a Moravian congregation settlement. Lititz is home to the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, established in 1861 as the first commercial pretzel bakery in the United States.
Lititz Springs Park, a historic community hub since 1756, hosts various yearly events, notably the well-known Lititz Fourth of July Celebration. For dining, the Appalachian Brewing Company provides locally brewed beers and a distinctive menu showcasing regional dishes. The Wilbur Chocolate Factory, a landmark since the late 1800s, includes a museum and shop where visitors can explore chocolate-making processes and buy unique confections.
Boiling Springs
Boiling Springs, in Cumberland County, owes its name to the natural artesian springs that maintain a constant temperature and were crucial to early ironworks in the area. Established in the 18th century, it is also part of the Appalachian Trail community, underscoring its long-standing connection to nature and history. The town’s historic district includes the Iron Furnace, dating to 1760 and a testament to Boiling Springs’ early industrial role.
The town features a variety of attractions for visitors and residents. Allenberry Resort and Playhouse, a historic venue since the mid-20th century, provides entertainment, dining, and lodging options. The Boiling Springs Tavern, founded in 1832, offers classic American cuisine in a historic environment. For outdoor enjoyment, Children’s Lake is perfect for fishing and relaxing walks, and the Appalachian Trail runs through the center of the community, offering great hiking opportunities.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe sits in the Lehigh Gorge in eastern Pennsylvania, and was originally known as Mauch Chunk and played a pivotal role in the coal and railroad industries. Renamed in 1954 to honor the legendary athlete Jim Thorpe, the town retains a Victorian era charm, with much of its architecture preserved and celebrated. This heritage is evident in attractions such as the Asa Packer Mansion, built in 1861 by a philanthropist and railroad magnate, which now serves as a museum.
Visitors to Jim Thorpe can choose from various recreation and dining options. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway provides a scenic ride through the mountains, perfect for enjoying the area’s natural beauty. Dining choices include Moya, famous for its upscale American dishes, and Stone Row Pub & Eatery, offering a relaxed atmosphere with local ingredients. Outdoor lovers can enjoy boating and hiking at Mauch Chunk Lake Park, making the town an attractive destination.
Ligonier
Ligonier was established in the 1760s and features a rich colonial history highlighted by Fort Ligonier, a British fortification from the French and Indian War. The town square, known as the Diamond, is circled by original structures and a bandstand from the 19th century, reinforcing its historical ambiance.
Fort Ligonier functions as both a museum showcasing 18th-century artifacts and a venue for reenactments and educational activities. The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art enriches visitors with American art exhibitions. Dining options in Ligonier include the historic Ligonier Tavern, known for its local cuisine, and The Wicked Googly, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and live music. For outdoor leisure, Ligonier Beach offers a distinctive swimming experience with a historic pool from 1925.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro, located in Tioga County, was established in 1806 and acts as the gateway to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, also known as Pine Creek Gorge. The town exudes nostalgic charm with its gas-lit streets and historic Victorian buildings, offering a window into its storied history. A prime example of this history is the Penn Wells Hotel, which has been serving visitors since the early 1900s.
For those wanting to explore Wellsboro, the restored 1920s movie theater, The Arcadia Theatre, regularly features films and performances, serving as a cultural center for locals and visitors. The Native Bagel offers a relaxed dining atmosphere with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Outdoor lovers can enjoy Leonard Harrison State Park, which offers stunning views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, along with trails and picnic spots. Furthermore, the annual Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival attracts crowds with its parade, arts and crafts, and local food stalls, honoring the area’s cultural traditions.
Foxburg
Foxburg, situated along the Allegheny River in Clarion County, was founded in 1870. It is famous for being home to the oldest golf course still in operation in the United States, the Foxburg Country Club, established in 1887. This historical feature adds to its charming and distinctive character, blending small-town American charm with a deep golf tradition.
The Foxburg Wine Cellars offers tastings of locally produced wines, complemented by a scenic setting. For dining, the Allegheny Grille provides riverfront views alongside a menu featuring regional cuisine, emphasizing the town’s picturesque location. Culture enthusiasts can explore the American Golf Hall of Fame, located within the Foxburg Country Club, which houses a collection of golf memorabilia and artifacts. For outdoor activities, the nearby Allegheny River Trail offers miles of biking and walking paths, making Foxburg a destination with diverse appeal.
Honesdale
Honesdale serves as the county seat for Wayne County and was founded in 1826. It has historical significance as the terminus of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, pivotal in the transport of coal to major markets in the northeast. Notably, Honesdale is credited with being the site of the first commercial steam locomotive run on rails in the United States, the Stourbridge Lion, adding a rich layer to its industrial heritage.
The Wayne County Historical Society presents exhibits on canal and railroad history, shedding light on the town’s growth. For dining, visitors can choose the upscale Hotel Wayne, known for its fine dining and bistro bar, or the more relaxed Trackside Grill, offering views of the historic railroad. Outdoor lovers can visit Honesdale Park, which has walking paths and recreational facilities, serving as a popular venue for community events and gatherings.
Milford
Milford is situated at the crossroads of the Delaware River and the Pocono Mountains’ foothills. Established in 1796, it rapidly gained popularity as a resort in the 19th century, thanks to its scenic landscape and fresh mountain air. The town is also renowned for the Milford Historic District, which features a range of well-preserved buildings that reflect its prosperous history.
The Columns Museum houses the famous Lincoln Flag, believed to be stained with Abraham Lincoln’s blood from the night of his assassination, providing a profound historical experience. For dining, Bar Louis at the Hotel Fauchère offers a contemporary menu in a stylish setting, while the Waterwheel Café provides a rustic atmosphere with live music and local cuisine. Additionally, Grey Towers National Historic Site, the former home of Gifford Pinchot, founder of the U.S. Forest Service, offers guided tours and scenic grounds.
Mount Joy
Mount Joy was founded in 1759 and has a name derived from an old Irish ship, the “Mountjoy,” which played a pivotal role in breaking a siege during the Irish Confederate Wars. This town, nestled among the rich, rolling farmlands of the county, has historically been a hub for agriculture and today melds historic charm with modern vibrancy, evident in its revitalized downtown area.
Bube’s Brewery, an intact historic 19th-century brewery and museum, offers unique dining experiences in its catacombs and regularly hosts murder mystery dinners. The Country Table Restaurant is known for its comfort food and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the town’s friendly spirit. For outdoor activities, Little Chiques Park provides scenic walking paths and picnic areas, perfect for family outings. Additionally, the annual “Mount Joy Winterfest” brings the community together with craft vendors, food, and entertainment, showcasing the town’s lively community spirit.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg is a vibrant town established in 1785. It is home to Bucknell University, established in 1846, which adds a youthful energy and cultural richness to the town. Lewisburg’s downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring well-preserved 19th-century architecture and a tree-lined main street that enhances its historic charm.
In terms of activities and dining, Lewisburg offers a variety of choices that cater to both residents and visitors. The Campus Theatre, one of the few remaining single-screen art deco movie theaters in the country, offers a unique cinematic experience. For dining, Elizabeth’s American Bistro provides a fine dining experience using local ingredients, while the Bull Run Tap House offers a more casual atmosphere with a comprehensive selection of craft beers. For outdoor enthusiasts, Hufnagle Park offers a green retreat in the heart of the town, complete with walking paths and garden areas, making it a popular gathering place for community events and casual recreation.
As we journey through Pennsylvania’s coziest corners, we discover that these small towns do more than just charm visitors with their picturesque settings and historical backdrops. They invite us into a world where community spirit thrives and every street and alley tells a story. These towns, from Lititz’s pretzel-perfumed air to Lewisburg’s university vibes, showcase the true heart of Pennsylvania through their unyielding warmth and hospitality. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat or a peek into America’s storied past, these towns offer a refuge where friendliness is the native language.
Pennsylvania
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