The data center dependency crisis: When our grid can’t function without big tech

Picture this: You’re a utility executive. It’s August 2029. A heat wave grips 10% of the country, and your regional transmission organization is red-lining.

Community concerns around rolling blackouts are pinging on social media. Your operations center makes the call that’s become routine over the past three years: You phone Amazon Web Services and ask them to shed 1,000 MW of load. Within minutes, AWS pauses 30% of its data center operations. Crisis averted. Hospitals stay online. 

But here’s the uncomfortable truth your team doesn’t discuss: What happens when AWS decides to say no?

Read more at Utility Dive