AI Data Centers Will Drive Record U.S. Power Demand, Tethering Natural Gas to Long-Term Growth

The EIA projects record U.S. electricity consumption in 2026 and 2027, propelled by AI-related demand from data-center buildout. Natural gas will supply 40% of that power in both years. Absolute gas-fired generation volumes should climb even as the percentage share holds steady—offsetting near-term LNG export cuts. This structural demand growth, independent of weather or economic cycles, anchors gas consumption regardless of temporary supply disruptions.