US data centers could hit 12% of the grid by 2028; 40% of new AI data centers underpowered by 2026
Akash Accelerate 2025 - Greg Osuri Keynote (Akash Network)
“In 2023, US data centers consumed 176 terawatt hours of electricity. That’s about 4.4 [percent] of [the] national grid… By 2028, the number could reach 12% — more than every household in California combined… Gartner predicts by 2026, 40% of all new AI data centers may not be able to get enough power to run. That’s not a future risk. It’s a near-term constraint.” — 00:03:42
Context: Quantified forecasts (EIA-style stats plus Gartner) supporting his claim that grid expansion is linear while AI demand doubles every few years.