The great AI data centre cover-up

An FT investigation reveals US AI data centres are systematically under-reporting power demand to grid operators. PJM data shows projects declaring roughly half their actual electricity needs. Developers split sites and falsify construction timelines to skip scrutiny. Northern Virginia alone has 14 GW of AI load in the queue, far above official figures. The post doesn't spell out the exact under-reporting methodology, but the gap is big enough to delay grid upgrades by 3–5 years.

Why it matters: FT investigation reveals AI data centers systematically underreport ~50% of power demand to grid operators, with 14 GW queued in Northern Virginia alone and 3-5 year grid upgrade delays as a result. HKR all hit, but the article lacks detail on the specific concealment methods ...