Big US utilities are facing challenges in achieving their climate goals as surging electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence and potential policy shifts under Donald Trump's reelection campaign threaten their net-zero targets for 2050.

The rapid growth in power consumption, particularly from data centers, is prompting some utilities to reconsider their strategies. In response to these developments, several companies are delaying the retirement of coal-burning plants and planning significant expansions in natural gas generation. This shift reflects a growing concern that the combination of increased energy needs and a political landscape favoring fossil fuels could undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the utility sector.