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The Mid-Continent Independent System Operator issued a 'dark orange' energy emergency alert as cold weather pushed the regional power grid to near capacity. Ameren requested customers to reduce electric usage.

Concerns are rising about planned data centers due to projected electricity demand of 90 gigawatts over five years, equivalent to the peak power for nine New York City-sized populations. Ameren plans to increase power production by 2 gigawatts by 2032 and over 6 gigawatts by 2045, but infrastructure improvements are necessary to meet future demand.