As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in society, concerns are growing over the significant increase in energy consumption that comes with it. The Senate Legislative Oversight Committee in New Jersey recently held a meeting to discuss the state’s energy infrastructure and its ability to handle the rising demand for electricity driven by AI technology.
Sen. Andrew Zwicker raised questions about whether the power grid can sustain this surge in energy use without burdening residents and businesses, especially those with lower incomes. Data centers currently account for two percent of the world’s electricity usage, a number that could potentially double by 2026. This growth in energy demand could rival the electricity consumption of an entire country like Japan.
Testimony from electric company leaders and Jason Stanek of PJM Interconnection highlighted the significant impact AI technology will have on the energy grid. Stanek noted that the demand for electricity to power data centers alone is expected to triple in the next five years. The committee remains open to exploring solutions to ensure the stability of the energy grid while meeting the increasing demands of AI technology.
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