US data center power demand is projected to more than double from 31 GW in 2025 to 66 GW by 2027, while US generating capacity faces a 50 to 80 GW shortfall by 2030, with Goldman Sachs projecting data centers will reach 8.5% of US peak summer demand. Historically, only 72% of announced data center facilities come online on time within a four-quarter window, and utilities estimate power delivery 1.5 to 2 years later than developers expect.
US grid capacity is the binding constraint for AI compute expansion, with power shortfalls and inflated development pipelines delaying new data center supply.