The power behind progress: Why energy capacity is a major hurdle to AI-related growth

This article originally appeared on and was written for Great River Energy by Golden Shovel Agency.

In today's business landscape, one resource quietly underpins everything from data-driven decision-making to global logistics: electricity. Without sufficient power, even the most innovative industries can't thrive. For electric cooperatives, meeting the demands of growing businesses, especially in an era defined by artificial intelligence (AI), requires careful planning and strategic investment.

But, as AI offers unprecedented revenue potential for regions attracting large-scale projects, it also brings complex challenges that can strain local power grids and leave lasting impacts on communities.

Member electric cooperatives are uniquely positioned to balance growth with sustainability. They can prioritize localized strategies that support consistent, reliable energy loads rather than risking disruptions from the massive and unpredictable demands of AI-driven operations. With over $600 billion in capital investment into AI investments globally expected by 2028, it might seem like you're falling behind if you're not powering AI.

Yet, for many Minnesota cooperatives, the focus isn't growth at any cost. It's about attracting the right kind of growth — the kind that strengthens, not stresses, the community's energy infrastructure.

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