Tech giants are racing to build their own power supplies for data centers as grid connection delays stretch up to four years. Nearly three-quarters of planned generation equipment for data centers is natural gas fired, according to energy research firm Cleanview, which is tracking 56 GW of projects across the US.

Companies like Google and Microsoft have struck deals to reopen nuclear power plants, but these plans will take years to deliver. The competition for gas turbines has become fierce, with waits as long as seven years for new orders. Turbine-maker GE Vernova said it would expand production by 25 percent, while Mitsubishi Power announced plans to double its output over the next two years.

However, manufacturers remain cautious about expanding capacity, and it may not be enough to meet booming demand. Two-thirds of gas projects in development in the US have not announced a turbine manufacturer, according to Global Energy Monitor. The price of gas turbines has risen sharply, and greater competition from tech companies will mean higher costs for utilities and industrial customers who also need generating capacity—costs that could still be passed on to ratepayers.