The data center industry often finds itself in the spotlight, facing blame for this escalating energy demand. The rise of voracious AI models, cryptocurrency mining, and the increasing digitization of our lives undeniably contribute to an insatiable need for electricity. This perception is understandable given the staggering growth forecasts for IT and data centers.

However, attributing the "looming power crunch" solely to data centers overlooks the complexities of the situation. The modernization and expansion of electrical transmission and distribution capacity is a time-consuming process, often entangled in bureaucratic hurdles. Furthermore, the transition to clean energy, while crucial for long-term sustainability, introduces intermittent, low-inertia renewables to the grid, potentially causing supply constraints. This creates a challenging environment where both energy providers and consumers, including data centers, are navigating unprecedented shifts.