31-07-2025
Exelon says potential data center demand is more than 30 gigawatts
July 31 (Reuters) - Major U.S. electricity utility Exelon (EXC.O), opens new tab has 33 gigawatts of data center customers interested in connecting to its system, as the company explores its options for adding new power supplies to meet the explosion of demand, company executives said on Tuesday.
Electric utilities are fielding massive requests for electricity to fuel Big Tech's new AI data centers, which are driving U.S. power consumption to new highs and pressuring the grid.
Thirty-three gigawatts is enough power all of the homes in California, New York and Texas, combined.
Of that amount, Exelon says 17 gigawatts are already in line to connect to its system, and another 16 gigawatts will be studied and are expected to be added to the formal pipeline by the end of the year.
Exelon serves more than 10.5 million customers through six fully-regulated transmission and distribution utilities.
Chicago-based Exelon is considering its options for building and owning power generation, which electric utilities are legally barred from in many U.S. states. In those states, regulated utilities own power lines, while independent power producers own and operate power plants.
There are currently proposals in states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, to allow regulated utilities to develop and own power plants.
"We want to be part of the solution," Exelon CEO Calvin Butler said on an earnings call with investors. "The supply is not meeting the demand."
Exelon reported overall revenue of $5.43 billion for the second quarter, compared with analysts' average estimate of $5.38 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.
Earnings at its PECO unit, Pennsylvania's largest electric and natural gas energy company, rose about 51% to $136 million during the reported quarter.
However, earnings at its Commonwealth Edison unit (ComEd), the largest electric utility in Illinois, fell 15.6% to $228 million.
The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 adjusted profit forecast of $2.64 to $2.74 per share. Analysts were expecting $2.69 per share.
Exelon posted adjusted operating earnings of 39 cents per share for the April to June period, compared with analysts' estimate of 37 cents.
