Power Crunch To Reshape U.S. Data Center Map

Electricity availability on the power grid is emerging as a key factor in selecting new data center sites across the U.S., as tightening conditions in the Mid-Atlantic are sparking grid bottlenecks, thus driving up power prices - and igniting a power bill crisis for consumers.

Goldman's latest note shows that Texas ranks as the most competitive state for future buildouts, while Georgia and California also score high. However, Virginia's grid bottlenecks may prompt data center developers to search for sites in other states, as parts of the Mid-Atlantic (PJM) grid remain critically tight.