While policymakers obsess over AI energy use, a "quiet" surge from the rest of the economy actually accounts for the vast majority of future demand. (Rand)
Nonprofit research org Rand points out that nearly 75% of projected load growth comes from non-AI sectors like EVs, heat pumps, and industrial reshoring—yet traditional models are failing to capture this “background” rise, risking billions in wasted infrastructure or catastrophic blackouts.
Analysts argue utilities should abandon old “predict-and-optimize” strategies for alternative decision-making frameworks that prioritize flexible investments (like grid enhancing tech) that work across multiple chaotic scenarios.