Meta to Enter Power Trading Business Amid AI Demand Boom

Meta Platforms is seeking to enter the wholesale power-trading business to manage electricity needs for its data centers. The company has filed an application with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for authorization. This move comes as demand for AI surges, with Meta looking to capitalize on the trend by expanding its data center operations.

Meta Platforms Inc. has filed an application with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to enter the wholesale power-trading business. The move, submitted through a subsidiary named Atem Energy LLC, seeks authorization to sell energy, capacity, and certain ancillary services Meta pushes into power trading as AI boom sends demand soaring^[1]. This strategic step comes as demand for artificial intelligence (AI) surges, requiring significant increases in electricity to power data centers.

The company's data centers, crucial for developing and running AI models, are projected to quadruple their power demand within the next decade Meta pushes into power trading as AI boom sends demand soaring^[1]. Rising electricity costs and the urgent need for clean energy are driving this initiative. Meta's representative noted that participating in energy markets is a logical next step for the company to manage its growing electricity needs Meta pushes into power trading as AI boom sends demand soaring^[1].

Meta's entry into the wholesale power-trading business will allow it to trade in competitive power markets such as the Texas grid or the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Meta looking to enter power-trading business as AI demand surges^[2]. This move follows similar efforts by other tech giants like Microsoft and Alphabet's Google, which are also facing increased electricity demands for their data centers Meta looking to enter power-trading business as AI demand surges^[2].

The application filed with FERC requests approval by November 16, 2025 Meta looking to enter power-trading business as AI demand surges^[2]. Meta has not yet responded to requests for comment on this development.