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US Energy Dept. Probes Data Center Power Use
24 Mar
Summary
- Energy Department launches pilot surveys on data center energy consumption.
- Surveys aim to clarify the scale of the sector's growing power needs.
- Initial surveys will cover backup power sources and fuel types used.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is embarking on a new initiative to measure the energy footprint of the nation's data centers. These pilot surveys, commencing this Wednesday, March 24, 2026, aim to shed light on the sector's significant and growing power demands.
These efforts are crucial as Silicon Valley invests heavily in energy-intensive data centers nationwide. The EIA's administrator, Tristan Abbey, described the surveys as a "data exploration exercise" to increase visibility into this vital economic area. The initial phase will involve data collection in three states: Virginia, Washington, and Texas, with plans for expansion.
Questions will focus on data centers' backup power systems and the fuels they utilize. This phased approach is designed to build a comprehensive understanding over time. The EIA previously attempted a survey of cryptocurrency mining operations in 2024, but it faced legal challenges.
