“Electricity consumption reaches record levels in our forecast, driven by data center development and increased manufacturing activity in the commercial and industrial sectors: we expect electricity sales in the United States to total 4,135 billion kilowatthours in 2026, an increase of almost 2% over 2025, and 4,211 billion kilowatthours in 2027.”
Statistical and analytical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy; Short-Term Energy Outlook
Said Sep 9, 2026Deadline Dec 31, 2026EIA September 2026 Short-Term Energy Outlook, released September 9, 2026 (forecast completed September 3, 2026)
The 2026 calendar year has not closed; EIA also expects record total generation of 4,368 billion kWh in 2026. Distinct from the December 2025 STEO entry, which forecast total power demand rather than retail electricity sales.