On this episode of HELLO FUTURE, Kevin Cirilli explores the hidden crisis behind the AI boom: America’s power grid isn’t ready. Kevin interviews Terry Ploetz, co-founder of Next Century Power.

As hyperscalers race to build massive data centers, the demand for reliable energy is exposing serious vulnerabilities—from grid strain in key hubs like Virginia to overlooked cyber risks tied to fiber infrastructure. Kevin breaks down how energy, connectivity, and national security are now deeply intertwined, why the U.S. risks falling behind in AI, cyber, and space competition, and what new models—like behind-the-meter power, community energy agreements, and domestic resource recycling—could help stabilize the grid while delivering real benefits to local communities.

The bottom line: the future of AI won’t be won by code alone—it will be powered, quite literally, by who controls the energy.