EEI’s Drew Maloney Discusses Demand Growth, PJM Strain, and Grid Investment Needs

EEI's Drew Maloney Discusses Demand Growth, PJM Strain, and Grid Investment Needs

EEI's Drew Maloney Discusses Demand Growth, PJM Strain, and Grid Investment Needs

Maloney: "In the last two years, we've seen demand growth double, and it will likely continue. At the end of the day, we need more generation and more steel in the ground."

WASHINGTON (May 19, 2026) - In a new interview on The Energy Gang podcast, EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney discussed rising electricity demand and the need for new generation, permitting reform, and responsible data center growth.

Listen to full episode here.

Managing Data Center Growth Responsibly:

"The goal is clear: we don't want existing ratepayers to bear the burden of new data centers," Maloney said. "When it's done right, these investments can actually put downward pressure on rates."

He pointed to the increasing number of large-load agreements and the White House's Ratepayer Protection Pledge, designed to ensure data centers and other large customers pay their fair share and help reduce costs for local families and businesses.

Historic Electricity Demand and Grid Investment:

"When you look back at America's history, the transformational infrastructure investments were railroads, the interstate highway system, and the electric grid," Maloney said. "Today, we are once again investing in the most critical engine of our economy-the electric grid."

"In the last two years, we've seen demand growth double, and it will likely continue," he added. "At the end of the day we need more generation and more steel in the ground."

Affordability and Reliability:

"Americans are feeling cost pressures across the board-food, health care, housing, and energy," Maloney said.

He noted that electricity prices vary by region, but data show about 34 states have kept rates below average over the past five years.

"When Americans flip a light switch, turn on their heat or air conditioning, or plug in their phones, they expect it to work," he said. "That's our commitment-to deliver reliable and affordable power every day."

PJM and the Need for New Generation:

Maloney also addressed ongoing challenges in the PJM Interconnection region, highlighting concerns about rising costs and a lack of new generation in the region.

"There's bipartisan frustration-from FERC, the White House, and governors-because this is not sustainable," he said.

Permitting Reform and Building Infrastructure Faster:

"We're seeing momentum around solutions, including permitting reform, which is critical to getting projects built on time and at lower cost," Maloney said.

"It can take a decade or longer to build transmission in the United States," he added. "That delay can increase project costs significantly-and those costs are ultimately borne by customers."

Convening Energy and Technology Leaders at EEI 2026 in Las Vegas (June 2-4):

"At EEI 2026 in Las Vegas, we'll bring together one of the largest gatherings of electricity experts and thought leaders," Maloney said. "We're looking forward to hearing from leaders across the energy and technology sectors as we work together to power America's future."