Rising demand driven by AI data centers and uncertain energy sources could lead to a surge in power outages by the end of the decade.
Increased demand for electricity driven largely by the “explosive growth” of data centers could raise the risk of power outages 100 times by 2030, according to a recent report from the United States Department of Energy (DOE).
As Darren Orf explains in Popular Mechanics, “Transitioning to green energy sources is a delicate balance, and if you shut down the use of traditional fossil fuels without a plan to replace them, then shortages become unavoidable. Additionally, over the course of the last several years, the power grid has acquired a new and extremely heavy burden: AI data centers.”
Communities around the country are responding to these concerns with regulations and, in some cases, temporary bans on new data centers. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has canceled over $7.5 billion in funding for more than 220 energy projects, many of them related to renewable energy and grid resilience.
Read the full story: Blackouts in the U.S. May Be 100 Times More Frequent By 2030
Planning Trends for 2026: States and Cities Take Initiative, Passenger Rail Gains Steam, and the Costs of AI Revealed
With federal funding for everything from transportation projects to housing assistance under threat, city and state governments are poised to take a stronger role in building strong, resilient local economies and public services.
AI’s Thirst for Energy Threatens Electric Grids
The rapidly growing demand for electricity could lead to shortages and is already impacting where data centers are built.
Utilities Spending Less on Energy Efficiency Despite Higher Fuel Prices
A survey of major utilities reveals a link between states with strict efficiency standards and incentive programs and efforts to improve efficiency on the part of utilities.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority