U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

“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.”

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)Economist

Statistical and analytical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy; Short-Term Energy Outlook

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.

“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.”

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)Economist

Statistical and analytical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy; Short-Term Energy Outlook

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.