Fact Check: "Electricity demand is projected to grow significantly due to data centers."
What We Know
Electricity demand in the United States is expected to see substantial growth in the coming years, particularly due to the expansion of data centers. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reported that data center electricity usage has significantly increased, consuming about 4.4% of total U.S. electricity in 2023, with projections indicating this could rise to between 6.7% and 12% by 2028 (DOE Report). This increase is attributed to the rapid growth of data centers, which have seen their load triple over the past decade and are expected to double or triple again by 2028 (DOE Report).
Additionally, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that overall electricity consumption will increase, surpassing previous records in 2025 and 2026, with an average growth rate of 1.7% per year from 2020 to 2026. The commercial sector, which includes data centers, is projected to grow even faster at an average rate of 2.6% per year (EIA Outlook).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that electricity demand will grow significantly due to data centers is robust. The DOE's report is a credible source, as it is based on data from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a reputable institution in energy research. The projections of data center electricity usage are backed by empirical data showing a consistent increase in consumption over the years (DOE Report).
Moreover, the EIA's forecasts provide additional context, indicating that the overall electricity demand is expected to rise, with commercial sectors, including data centers, driving much of this growth (EIA Outlook). The reliability of the EIA as a source is well-established, given its role as the statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy, providing independent and objective data.
However, it is essential to consider potential biases. While the DOE and EIA are authoritative sources, their reports may emphasize the need for increased infrastructure and investment in energy technologies, which could influence the framing of their findings. Nevertheless, the data presented aligns with broader trends observed in the energy sector, particularly the increasing reliance on digital technologies and data processing.
Conclusion
The claim that electricity demand is projected to grow significantly due to data centers is True. The evidence from credible sources such as the DOE and EIA indicates a clear trend of increasing electricity consumption driven by the expansion of data centers and related technologies. The projections of growth in both data center energy usage and overall electricity demand support this conclusion.
