US grid struggles to keep up as AI data centers strain power

The North American grid, the world's largest machine, faces a critical shortage of high-voltage transmission lines: hitting 2050 targets requires 5,000 miles of new lines annually, yet the last 5,000 miles took nine years to build. A quarter of Oregon's power already goes to data centers, and the DOE has halted three priority transmission corridors.

• 5,000 miles of new transmission needed yearly by 2050; last 5,000 took 9 years
• A quarter of Oregon's electricity goes to data centers
• DOE dropped three National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors
• Bipartisan bill would speed permitting and make data centers pay transmission costs