AI Data Center Capacity: How to Distinguish Contracted, Energized, and Operational MW in Financial Filings
Megawatt figures in AI infrastructure disclosures do not represent interchangeable computing capacity: pipeline MW reflects exploratory grid requests; contracted MW secures utility reservation without physical substations; energized MW delivers high-voltage power to the facility; and operational IT MW represents commissioned, cooled capacity ready for servers. Only operational IT MW can run live GPU workloads today, while energized MW determines near-term deployment feasibility. Scope and basis: A quantitative analysis of data center power disclosures as of November 2026. This review examines SEC periodic reports (Form 10-K and 10-Q), wholesale electric interconnection tariffs (FERC Order 2023), and power purchase agreement (PPA) filings. Calculations are offline engineering comparisons to assist procurement teams and investors in verifying capacity claims; they are not an endorsement of specific securities or commercial hosting providers. Contents and evaluation path 1. The Pow...