I’m a business reporter with the New York Post working on a story about the sharp rise in electricity prices across the U.S. I’d like to include your expert perspective. We’re looking in particular at: * The surge in electricity demand from new AI/data center clusters in regions like Northern Virginia, Phoenix, Dallas, Silicon Valley, Chicago, Atlanta, and the New York Tri-State area (with new projects in Ohio, Nebraska, Oregon, and Pennsylvania). * The consequences of nuclear plant shutdowns — such as Indian Point in New York and halted projects in South Carolina — alongside the slow pace of new builds. * How these factors, combined with volatile natural gas prices and costly grid upgrades, are contributing to higher consumer bills. Some key figures we’ve noted: * Residential electricity prices rose 6–7% nationwide in early 2025, pushing the average U.S. household bill to nearly \$1,900/year. * In the New York metro area, average residential prices are up roughly 9% year-over-year, with PJM grid auctions driving double-digit increases for many households. * Since Indian Point’s 2021 closure, fossil fuels now supply over 90% of downstate New York’s power, raising both costs and emissions. Could you provide written commentary on: 1. How significant AI/data center demand is for grid planning and pricing. 2. The impact of recent nuclear shutdowns on regional reliability and costs. 3. What this means for households and businesses over the next few years.

posted8/18/2025

deadline8/18/2025

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