Lake Tahoe’s 49,000 Residents Risk Outages as Data Centers Divert Power
META•As NV Energy redirects three quarters of Lake Tahoe’s electricity to data centers — including those run by Meta — 49,000 residents risk power outages. Nevada hosts at least 70 data centers, and projections warn by 2030 facilities could consume 35% of electricity, driving prices up to 57%.
1. Power Redirection and Resident Impact
NV Energy has begun redirecting three quarters of Lake Tahoe’s supplied electricity toward Nevada’s burgeoning data centers, including facilities operated by Meta. This shift leaves the region’s 49,000 residents facing potential outages and unreliable service as local utility Liberty must secure alternative transmission access.
2. Data Center Expansion in Nevada
Nevada has become a major data center corridor, now hosting at least 70 facilities scattered across desert regions. The influx is driven by demand for AI and cloud infrastructure, positioning companies like Meta alongside other tech giants in vying for grid capacity.
3. Long-Term Demand and Price Projections
Studies forecast data centers could account for 35% of Nevada’s electricity use by 2030, with national grid demand rising 60%. Those surging loads may push regional power prices up to 57%, intensifying competition between residential, commercial and tech-sector consumers.
