Across the U.S., the demand for power is climbing at one of the fastest rates in decades. As the economy becomes more reliant on electricity and data centers continue to sprout up in many parts of the country, electric cooperatives are preparing to meet the challenges that skyrocketing demand brings.
The North American Reliability Corporation — the watchdog for the U.S. electric grid — recently released the 2025-2026 winter reliability assessment, which echoed other recent reports, including longer-term outlooks that expect sufficient energy resources during normal conditions but potential supply shortfalls and outages under more intense weather conditions.
Extreme weather, coupled with other factors driving increased demand, poses challenges for electric utilities, including cooperatives, in their mission to provide reliable power around the clock.
Several key factors are driving increased demand — including economic growth, expanded manufacturing, data center development and increased electrification in transportation.
Together, these trends are reshaping how much electricity we consume and how quickly utilities like Prairie Land Electric Cooperative must adapt to meet future needs.
One of the biggest drivers of rising demand is increased electrification. More homes and businesses are transitioning to electricity for home heating, water heating and transportation. EVs are becoming more common on the road, and many states are offering incentives to help consumers make the switch. Additionally, electric heat pumps are replacing traditional furnaces in many homes due to their efficiency. These transitions mean greater energy use and increased pressure on our electric grid.
Data centers and the growth of advanced manufacturing are also contributing to higher electricity use. As businesses expand and new industries take root, the demand for reliable, high-capacity power is increasing. The resurgence of domestic manufacturing has led to major construction of facilities. These facilities often require substantial energy loads, and many operate continuously to keep production lines running. This growth brings jobs and investment, but it also requires solutions for the pressures put on the electric grid.
Population growth and housing development are also contributing to rising demand in some areas, and everyday life is becoming more energy-dependent, too. Smart appliances, connected devices, home offices and entertainment systems are adding to overall consumption, even as efficiency improves.
While increased demand presents new challenges for electric utilities, it also creates significant opportunities for co-ops
and the communities they serve, including job growth, steady revenue, downward pressure on residential electric rates,
and improved infrastructure. Electric co-ops are responding by planning carefully for the future — investing in grid modernization and offering programs and services to help co-op members conserve energy.
Prairie Land is investing in advanced grid technologies that strengthen reliability and operational efficiency. As detailed in
the April 2025 issue of Kansas Country Living (which can be found on our website), the implementation of Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and installation of Automatic Circuit Reclosers (ACRs) enables real-time
monitoring, faster outage detection and restoration, improved safety, and reduced service interruptions. These strategic
investments are part of a comprehensive construction work plan, totaling over $36 million, to help proactively address member needs and ensure the grid is prepared for future demands.
Electricity powers nearly every aspect of today’s economy, and its role will only grow stronger. As electrification accelerates, long-term planning becomes more important than ever.
Prairie Land is ready to meet rising demand in our local communities. Through innovation, investment and collaboration, we are preparing for a more reliable and resilient energy future.
Source: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is the national trade association representing nearly 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.