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U.S. Electricity Use Reaches Record High in 2025, Led by Data Centers
U.S. electricity use reached a new peak last year and is projected to set further records in 2026 and 2027. Data centers tied to AI growth are the primary driver of the increase.
Jul 15, 6:00 PM·1m read1 source
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U.S. electricity consumption set a new record high in 2025, ending a decade of flat demand, OilPrice.com reported. The rise stems mainly from data centers supporting the AI boom, with electrification trends providing a secondary boost.
Consumption is projected to reach 4,269 billion kWh in 2026 and 4,399 billion kWh in 2027, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook. Supply already hit 2,234 terawatt hours in the first half of 2026, a 3 percent increase from the same period in 2025, Ember data showed.
Commercial sector sales are forecast to exceed residential sales for the first time in 2026 and to remain the largest consuming sector in 2027. Data center load is the dominant driver of long-term U.S. electricity growth, the EIA stated.
Natural gas remains the mainstay of the U.S. power mix even as renewable generation and capacity continue to expand.
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