Data center demand to drive US electricity consumption growth this year

Data centers powering artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency operations will push American electricity demand to record highs in 2025–2026, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The EIA forecasts electricity demand will rise to 4,193 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2025, with experts projecting a further increase to 4,283 billion kWh in 2026.

Furthermore, it is assumed that American households and businesses will also consume more electricity for heating and product transportation.

At the same time, according to the EIA, the share of natural gas in US electricity generation will decline from 42% in 2024 to 40% in 2025–2026.

Meanwhile, this year's sales of natural gas are expected to rise to 13.1 billion cubic feet per day for residential use. The commercial sector will consume 9.7 billion cubic feet, while industrial demand will reach 23.5 billion. At the same time, gas consumption by power plants will decline by 2.7% to 35.9 billion cubic feet per day.