The recent annual capacity auction conducted by PJM Interconnection has resulted in significantly higher costs for customers, with this summer's auction setting a record-high price of $329.17 per megawatt-day, a 22% increase from last year. As data centers, particularly in Northern Virginia, continue to drive up electricity demand and existing power plants struggle to keep pace, the effects are already being felt by residents, who can expect monthly electric bills to rise starting in 2026 with potential increases ranging from 1% to 5%.