US power use to beat record highs in 2026 and 2027 as AI use surges, EIA says
XLU•The EIA projected US electricity demand will rise from a record 4,195 billion kWh in 2025 to 4,288 billion in 2026 and 4,356 billion in 2027, driven by data centers and electrification. It forecast renewables’ share of generation will reach 27% in 2027, while coal’s falls to 15%.
1. Demand reaches new highs
US power consumption will hit record highs in 2026 and 2027, the EIA said in its Short-Term Energy Outlook. It projected demand of 4,288 billion kWh in 2026 and 4,356 billion kWh in 2027, up from a record 4,195 billion kWh in 2025. The EIA cited data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, as well as homes and businesses using more electricity and less fossil fuel for heating and transportation.
2. Sales and generation mix
The EIA forecast 2026 power sales of 1,541 billion kWh to residential customers, 1,549 billion kWh to commercial customers and 1,055 billion kWh to industrial customers. Renewable generation is projected to rise from 24% in 2025 to 25% in 2026 and 27% in 2027; coal’s share is expected to fall from 17% to 15% over that period. Natural gas is forecast to account for 40% of generation in 2026 and 39% in 2027, while nuclear holds at 18% in both years.
