A 2026 Pew Research Center analysis found over 3,000 operating U.S. data centers and more than 1,500 in development. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory projects data centers could consume 11.8% of U.S. electricity by 2030, while Goldman Sachs projects demand could rise from 31 GW in 2025 to 66 GW in 2027.

In response to this surging demand, the White House's 2026 Ratepayer Protection Pledge called on hyperscalers to bring new generation, pay grid costs, and protect existing customers. In June 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) initiated separate proceedings for six regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs) to address whether existing tariffs are just and reasonable for large loads. States like Texas and New York are also implementing or pausing permits to develop new rules requiring large-load customers to shoulder infrastru