“U.S. power demand will climb to a record 4,199 billion kilowatt-hours in 2025 and further increase to 4,267 billion kWh in 2026, up from the 2024 record of 4,110 billion kWh, driven in part by data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.”
Statistical and analytical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy; Short-Term Energy Outlook
Said Dec 9, 2025Deadline Dec 31, 2026EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook (December 9, 2025), as reported by Reuters
The 2025 leg looks essentially correct — EIA later reported a second straight record of roughly 4,195 billion kWh for 2025 — while the 2026 figure resolves at year-end; mid-2026 STEO vintages put 2026 demand near 4,268 billion kWh.