A new BloombergNEF report predicts US data centers will consume one-fifth of the nation's electricity by 2035, reaching nearly 200 gigawatts of capacity, with almost half dedicated to AI training and inference. The consultancy's latest 2035 electricity demand estimate is 83% higher than its December forecast, reflecting rapid data center development and grid strain in regions like PJM and ERCOT.
US power grids face unprecedented strain from AI data center demand, pushing electricity prices up and delaying new connections in already congested regions.