Exelon

PECO's unionized workforce of 1,600 workers, including linemen and call center employees, continues a strike as the company refuses to make counterproposals during contract negotiations. The union criticizes PECO, a subsidiary of Exelon, for high profits and lack of competitive pressure, while PECO claims its offer includes 22% wage increases over five years. The strike, which began July 4, coincided with extreme heat and power outages affecting 57,000 customers.

The AI boom is increasing demand for data centers, driving energy and tech industries to innovate new power sources. Exelon plans to invest $1.1 trillion in infrastructure over five years, while Commonwealth Fusion Systems aims to develop fusion energy capable of powering 280,000 homes. Data centers are projected to become the world’s fifth-largest energy consumer in 2024.

Rising electricity demand driven by data centers, manufacturing, and electrification is outpacing supply, causing higher bills. Exelon attributes 75% of recent bill increases to generation costs, not delivery, and warns of potential summer shortages. The article emphasizes the need for increased power production and an 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy.