AI Data Centers Set to Drive Record U.S. Power Demand and Sustained Natural Gas Use

The EIA projects record U.S. electricity consumption in 2026 and 2027, driven by AI data-center buildout. Natural gas will supply 40% of that power in both years. Absolute gas generation volumes will climb despite steady percentage share—offsetting near-term LNG export cuts. This structural demand growth, independent of weather or economic cycles, anchors gas consumption.