Home / Business and Economy / US Power Demand Surges: AI, Crypto Fuel Record Growth
US Power Demand Surges: AI, Crypto Fuel Record Growth
14 Jan
Summary
- US power consumption to reach record highs in 2025 and continue rising.
- Data centers for AI and crypto, plus electrification, drive demand.
- Renewable energy's share in power generation is projected to increase.
U.S. power consumption, which achieved record levels in 2025, is projected by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to experience continued growth through 2026 and 2027. Demand is anticipated to climb from 4,198 billion kWh in 2025 to 4,256 billion kWh in 2026 and 4,364 billion kWh in 2027.
Several factors are fueling this increased demand, including the burgeoning needs of data centers for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency operations, as well as a societal shift towards greater electricity use for heating and transportation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The EIA forecasts significant increases in electricity sales across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Concurrently, the energy generation landscape is evolving. The share of electricity produced from natural gas is expected to decrease slightly, while coal's contribution will see a more pronounced decline. Conversely, the proportion of power generated from renewable sources is set to rise, with nuclear power maintaining a significant, albeit fluctuating, share in the energy mix.
