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Pam Altendorf, a Minnesota state representative, raised concerns on her X account on October 20, 2025, about the state’s ability to meet future energy demands amid the growth of data centers and ongoing energy policy changes.

In her first post, Altendorf questioned whether Minnesota’s electric grid can accommodate the increasing number of proposed data center projects: "Can Minnesota’s electric grid support all the new Data Center projects which are currently being proposed across our State….?! Electric power demand is estimated to DOUBLE….. Remember when @Tim_Walz signed into law a 2040 Energy Plan drastically reducing Minnesota’s energy?" (October 20, 2025).

Altendorf followed with another post referencing a recent report: "A recently released report says a regionwide electric grid, including Minnesota, is at “high risk” of power shortages over the next decade. As the need for energy supply grows and traditional plants close amid the state’s planned transition to 100% carbon-free electricity by" (October 20, 2025).

In a third post on the same day, Altendorf cited reporting from Bloomberg: "Sept 2025 article @Bloomberg reported electricity costs increased as much as 267% in areas closest to New Data Centers." (October 20, 2025).

Minnesota has been undergoing an energy transition since Governor Tim Walz signed a law in February 2023 committing the state to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. The legislation set ambitious targets for utilities and increased pressure on existing infrastructure as traditional power plants are retired and renewable sources are added. These changes have raised questions about reliability and affordability for both consumers and businesses.

Nationally, rising demand for electricity from data centers and other high-usage facilities has led to concerns about regional grid stability and potential increases in energy prices. Reports indicate that areas with high concentrations of new data centers have experienced significant jumps in local electricity costs.