UTILITY CUSTOMERS: Data Centers and Traditional Customers Navigate Price Increases

A Macro Intelligence Memo | June 2030

Utility customers had experienced bifurcation by June 2030:

Data centers: Secured favorable long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), guaranteed supply and price, willing to pay premium rates for reliability.

Traditional industrial/residential customers: Faced electricity price increases (65% from 2024), constrained supply in peak periods, and utility pressure to reduce demand during peak hours.

Residential customers: Faced 45% electricity price increases from 2024-2030, with disproportionate impact on low-income households. Energy burden (percentage of income spent on electricity) had increased significantly for vulnerable populations.

By June 2030, electricity had become a luxury good for some populations while being essential for others, creating utility policy challenges around affordability and equity.

END MEMO