Permitted U.S. data centers could consume up to 358.8TWh a year

A Business Insider investigation using air permits for backup generators estimates that U.S. data centers permitted through 2025 could consume between 224.3 and 358.8 terawatt-hours of electricity annually if they all come online. The midpoint would exceed the 2024 electricity use of every state except Texas. The analysis identified 176 new data-center permits across 34 states in 2025, the highest annual count in its dataset, and found that hyperscale facilities drive most of the projected demand. The estimate depends on generator permits and modeled utilization, and companies including Amazon and QTS challenged the methodology. Even with those caveats, the analysis gives a concrete range for the grid pressure behind AI expansion and helps explain why local permitting, utility costs, and dedicated power generation are becoming central AI-policy issues.

Key details: June 7, 2026, 224.3TWh to 358.8TWh estimated annual electricity use, 176 new data-center permits in 2025, 34 states, Up 50% over the previous year across the estimate range, Permit-based estimate with methodology caveats.

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