Reuters · 9 Sep, 18:11 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

US power use to beat record highs in 2026 and 2027 as AI use surges, EIA says

The US Energy Information Administration forecasts that national electricity consumption will surpass previous records in 2026 and 2027.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

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The US Energy Information Administration forecasts that national electricity consumption will surpass previous records in 2026 and 2027. This surge is primarily driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, which demands significant computational power. Consequently, the energy sector faces unprecedented pressure to scale generation capacity and grid stability. Professionals in energy, technology, and infrastructure must anticipate increased regulatory scrutiny and operational demands. This trend highlights the critical intersection between technological advancement and physical resource constraints, signalling a period of intense growth and potential volatility for utility providers and data centre operators alike.

Employer demand for AI in Energy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
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This surge in energy demand directly impacts your career trajectory, particularly if you work in technology or infrastructure. Roles focusing on grid modernisation, energy efficiency, and sustainable computing will see heightened demand. You should prioritise skills that bridge technical AI implementation with operational constraints. Consider upskilling in energy management or regulatory compliance to remain relevant. If you lead teams, integrate sustainability metrics into your strategic planning now. Professionals who can optimise AI workloads for lower energy consumption will become invaluable. Start networking with energy sector experts and explore certifications in sustainable practices. Your ability to navigate this complex intersection will define your competitive edge in the coming years.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI in Energy, Sustainable Computing, Engineering and Risk Management Strategies — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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