Data centers now account for half of all new U.S. electricity use, just as Americans start to sour on AI

Signs opposing a proposed data center in Monterey Park, CA. (Credit: Robert Gauthier—Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)

The U.S. just had one of its most energy-hungry years in recent memory, and the largest single driver of demand happens to be a lightning rod. 

Energy demand in the U.S. grew 2% in 2025, according to a report on the global state of energy published Monday by watchdog the International Energy Agency (IEA).