The Scale of AI and Planning for Responsible Energy Growth
New data centers are reshaping our energy landscape. Research shows that with the right policies, this growth can mean lower bills, a more reliable grid, and breakthroughs in science and medicine. Explore the data and help shape better outcomes for your community.
Energy Growth Has Always Driven Progress
From electrification to the internet, new demands on our energy system have preceded breakthroughs that improved daily life. AI-powered data centers are accelerating research in medicine, materials science, and clean energy itself.
The question isn't whether to build — it's how to build responsibly so that communities benefit and household bills stay affordable. This site gives you the real numbers so you can be part of that conversation.
The Data Center Boom by the Numbers
Today, data centers make up about 4.4% of total U.S. electricity consumption (176 TWh in 2023). By 2030, this share is projected to reach 6 to 9%, adding an estimated 50 to 65 GW of new electricity demand — equivalent to building 50 to 65 nuclear power plants.
This growth, driven by the AI revolution, has led to a backlog of power demand. U.S. utilities have received interconnection requests totaling over 1,000 GW. The scale creates a supply-constrained market where infrastructure planning is critical.
Projected Data Center Demand by State
Sources: LBNL 2024 Report,U.S. DOE,Grid Strategies,EPRI,LBNL Queued Up,SemiAnalysis.
What This Means for Your Electric Bill
One large data center campus uses as much power as 300,000 homes. Here's how costs flow to your bill.
How Costs Flow to Your Bill
What Research Shows About Data Center Impacts
Independent studies show that when data centers pay fair rates, they can actually help lower bills for everyone by bringing new revenue to the grid.
Utility Tariffs Can Protect You
Electric companies are creating special rates for data centers that make them pay their fair share — so homeowners don't get stuck with the bill for new power lines and equipment.
More Customers Can Mean Lower Costs
When large customers like data centers join the grid, they help pay for shared infrastructure. This spreads fixed costs across more users, which can reduce the cost per household.
Flexible Load Increases Revenue
When data centers reduce usage during peak times, they help avoid expensive infrastructure upgrades and can generate ancillary revenue for the grid.
Key Research Findings:
- •E3 Study (2025) — A single data center can bring millions in extra revenue, lowering nearby bills by 1-2%
- •LBNL / Brattle (2025) — States with growing demand actually saw rates go down
- •GridCARE (2025) — Flexible data centers could cut costs by 5% for all customers
- •MIT Sloan (2025) — Shifting work to off-peak times saves money for the whole grid
Want to dive deeper? View our full research summary — covering 12+ studies including ones that show potential risks.
Use our calculator to see projections specific to your utility and community.
What Communities Are Asking
These are the questions we hear most often. They deserve honest, evidence-based answers.
"Will my electric bill go up?"
With the right policy, data centers apply downward pressure on rates.
Large customers bring new revenue that helps cover shared infrastructure costs. The E3 study found data centers can lower nearby bills by 1-2%. See our model →
"Who pays for all the new infrastructure?"
Industrial tariffs ensure data centers pay their full cost of service.
Utilities are creating dedicated rate classes with demand charges that recover transmission and distribution costs directly from large loads. See cost allocation →
"What happens if the data center leaves?"
Tariff structures include minimum contract terms to ensure full cost recovery.
Policies like AEP Ohio's 12-year minimum demand requirements and exit fees protect ratepayers from stranded asset risk. See protections →
"Will I have power outages?"
Modern data centers actually help stabilize the grid during emergencies.
Data centers can reduce operations and activate on-site generators during peak demand, helping prevent brownouts and blackouts. Many include battery storage that acts as grid backup. See grid benefits →
Questions to Ask About Any Proposal
Use this checklist when evaluating data center proposals in your community.
Cost Allocation
- What rate schedule will the data center be on?
- Does the rate cover full cost-of-service including demand charges?
- Who pays for grid upgrades needed to serve the facility?
Grid Reliability
- Is any of the load flexible?
- Can operations be curtailed during grid emergencies?
- Is on-site generation or battery storage included?
Risk Protection
- Are there minimum purchase requirements?
- What happens if the data center closes or reduces load?
- Who bears the risk of stranded assets?
Customize for Your Community
Enter your utility's actual numbers to see a more accurate projection for your specific situation.
Open CalculatorUnderstand the Math
All our calculations are based on publicly available data. Review our methodology and sources.
View MethodologyOpen Source & Community Driven
This tool is free, open source, and not affiliated with any data center company or utility. Our goal is to provide objective information so communities can make informed decisions.
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