Simulation Parameters
Peak demand from new data center campus. PA average: 150–500 MW per campus.
Data centers run near-constant load. Higher factor = more baseload pressure.
Each EDC has different rate base, generation mix, and congestion patterns.
Pennsylvania RGGI participation affects marginal cost. Developers pay for interconnection.
Cost socialized or developer-paid per Shapiro order. Typical 500kV upgrades: $80–300M.
Shapiro EO bars NDAs, requires local approval. 0% = fully developer-funded.
PA 2023 average: 14.2¢/kWh. 76% increase since 2019 per TNW reporting.
Commercial customers see different demand charges and rider structures.
Rate Impact Visualization
Computed Rate Impacts
Policy Context & Assumptions
Methodology & Sources
Rate Impact Model: Uses a simplified cost-of-service approach. Baseline rates decompose into generation (~55%), T&D (~30%), and riders (~15%). Data center load adds energy costs at marginal generation price, plus allocated transmission upgrade costs amortized over 20 years at 7% carrying charge.
Shapiro Executive Order (2024): Requires data center developers to pay interconnection costs, bars NDAs in PUC proceedings, removes "fast track" approval, and mandates local government sign-off before PUC review. This simulator models the cost allocation slider as the key policy lever.
Generation Mix Assumptions: Gas CCGT marginal cost ~$35/MWh. Solar+Battery LCOE ~$45/MWh (with IRA credits). Wind+Battery ~$50/MWh. Nuclear uprate ~$30/MWh. RGGI allowance cost ~$15/ton CO₂ adds ~$6/MWh to gas.
Congestion & Losses: Modeled as 3–8% adder depending on region. PECO zone sees highest congestion; West Penn lowest. Data center load in constrained pockets increases LMP basis risk.
Sources: PJM 2023 State of the Market Report, PA PUC Electric Rate Comparison Reports, TNW "Pennsylvania Shapiro Executive Order AI Data Centres" (2024), EIA Form 861 rate data, RGGI allowance prices.
Limitations: Does not model capacity market (RPM) effects, distribution-level hosting capacity, demand response participation, or specific tariff riders (e.g., DSIC, STAS). Results are illustrative, not a rate case filing.