AEO2026 reframes its “Reference Case” as a control, not a forecast, and reveals a structural shift: electricity demand—driven by data centers and AI—is now the primary system variable, with load shape (continuous vs peak) redefining grid costs and planning
Brandon Owens
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States are competing to shape AI as physical infrastructure. Diverging archetypes—from hyperscale clusters to energy-led expansion—are creating a new hierarchy. Regions that align compute, energy, and institutions will lead; others will operate within systems designed elsewhere.
Brandon Owens