The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is driving a significant increase in demand for electricity, leading to a boom in the construction of private natural gas power plants across the United States. Data centers powering AI applications require immense and reliable energy sources, and natural gas is currently seen as a viable option to meet this need. This trend is largely fueled by private companies investing in their own power generation to support AI operations, avoiding potential grid limitations and ensuring consistent power supply. Unlike traditional utility-scale projects, these plants are often built quickly and with less public scrutiny. Critics warn this expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure could hinder progress towards clean energy goals, despite the industry's claims of utilizing the plants as a “bridge fuel”. The surge indicates a complex energy landscape shaped by the evolving demands of cutting-edge technology and the pressure to ensure uninterrupted operation for AI services. This focus on immediate energy needs potentially overshadows long-term sustainability concerns.