This is a scenario, not a forecast.
Why it matters
The scenario moves the energy debate from abstract consumption toward ownership, incentives and measurable public benefit.
What must be true
Generation must be genuinely incremental or constrained, loads must curtail when the grid needs power, and revenue must survive without opaque subsidies or environmental cost shifting.
Who could benefit
Local owners could monetize surplus generation, finance storage and use open settlement. Benefits depend on contracts, grid rules, equipment life and who bears downside risk.
What could stop it
Noise, land and water constraints, volatile compute revenue, capture by outside operators, weak disclosure or a cleaner competing use for power can break the case.
Signals to watch
Watch independently metered curtailment, local ownership shares, transparent revenue allocation, lifecycle emissions and whether residents can change or end the arrangement.