Energy Now
AI. Data centers. EVs. Robots. Batteries. They're changing how much electricity we need — and where we need it.
What's happening?
Why does it matter?
How could it affect you?
What can you do?
AI & data centers
AI isn't only software in the cloud. It lives in buildings that need power for computing, cooling and supporting infrastructure.
Source: U.S. EIA
What's happening?
Computing demand is growing, and data centers are being built and expanded in several regions of the country.
Why does it matter?
Large new electricity users influence how utilities and grid operators plan generation, transmission and storage.
Electric vehicles
More vehicles now refuel from the electrical grid instead of a gas pump — often at home, overnight.
What's happening?
Home and public charging continue to expand, and utilities offer time-of-use rate plans built around charging behavior.
Why does it matter?
Charging is one of the largest new loads a household can add — and one of the most controllable.
E-bikes & scooters
Short trips are shifting to small batteries — cheap to charge, and a real change in how California moves.
What's happening?
E-bikes, scooters and small electric vehicles are growing quickly in California cities and coastal communities.
Why does it matter?
Small batteries add very little household load while reducing gasoline spending and urban congestion.
Robotics & automation
Automation is entering warehouses, factories and logistics — and machines that work need power.
What's happening?
Robotics and automation deployments are expanding in industrial settings. Many humanoid systems remain early-stage or experimental.
Why does it matter?
Automation adds electricity demand indirectly through manufacturing, logistics, charging and the computing behind it.
The electric home
Homes increasingly produce, store and time their energy use instead of simply consuming it.
What's happening?
Smart thermostats, heat pumps, electric appliances, solar, batteries, EV charging and smart panels are becoming common together.
Why does it matter?
When a home can shift or store energy, the same comfort can cost less during expensive hours.
Batteries & VPPs
Utilities and providers can call on many home batteries at once when the grid is strained.
Virtual Power Plant
The Grid
What's happening?
Virtual power plant programs coordinate thousands of home batteries as a single flexible resource.
Why does it matter?
Participation can provide backup power and, in some programs, compensation — but programs, payments and eligibility vary by utility and provider.
The grid
Much of the system was designed for one-way power delivery — not two-way, weather-stressed, electrified demand.
Source: CAISOWhat's happening?
Electrification and new large loads are driving upgrades across generation, transmission, distribution and storage.
Why does it matter?
Who pays for grid investment is a genuinely complex question. Funding can come from utility investment, customer rates, government programs, private investment and other mechanisms — the mix varies by project.
What's happening now
Data centers use electricity for computing, cooling and supporting infrastructure.
Why this matters to you: Regional demand growth can influence how utilities plan generation and transmission.
When you charge can matter as much as how much you charge.
Why this matters to you: Time-of-use rate plans can change what charging costs at home.
Batteries shift energy from low-demand hours into peak hours.
Why this matters to you: Some households may qualify for storage or virtual power plant programs.
Supply, demand and transmission all have to line up in real time.
Why this matters to you: Grid conditions influence rate design and conservation alerts.
Rate plans, fixed charges and time periods are periodically revised.
Why this matters to you: The plan you're on may no longer be the best fit for your household.
Shutoff events and hardening projects affect many California communities.
Why this matters to you: Backup power and notification programs may be available to you.
Warehouse and industrial automation adds new electricity uses.
Why this matters to you: Industrial demand growth is an indirect factor in regional energy planning.
Small batteries, small loads, meaningful fuel savings.
Why this matters to you: Charging at home is inexpensive but battery safety matters.
Many factors influence what you pay. We help you understand which options are actually available to you.