US data centre power demand outpaces grid capacity growth nineteenfold

US data centre power demand is growing far faster than the electricity grid’s capacity, driven in large part by expanding AI infrastructure. A Howden analysis says the mismatch could force operators to secure more power themselves or slow projects, while grid connection delays risk lost revenue.

Since 2000, electricity supplied to data campuses has grown by an average of 19 per cent a year, compared with 2 per cent annual growth in grid capacity. Data centres accounted for about 5 per cent of US grid capacity in 2025, up from 0.1 per cent in 2000. Howden estimates they would need 110 gigawatts of on-site supply by 2030 to keep that share at 5 per cent, but expects a mix of grid reliance, alternative power and slower development instead; delays of two to six years could cost the largest projects $800 million to $2.4 billion in forgone revenue.