The increasing electricity usage by AI data centers is compelling the U.S. to operate older power plants of the sort known as a peaker, such as the Fisk oil fired plant in Chicago, which was originally not supposed to reach its end in August. These plants ensure that there are no interruptions caused by high demand, but they contribute to additional pollution and are mostly concentrated in poor neighborhoods. Skyrocketing electricity costs have rendered them lucrative once more, preserving numerous intended retirements or abandoning them. Environmental agencies are alarmed that this amount may pose health hazards to the local residents, while the operators of the plants insist that the plants are necessary to support the rising power demand.
AI Data Centers Are Forcing Dirty ‘Peaker’ Power Plants Back Into Service
