80% of US Consumers Fear Data Centers Will Raise Energy Bills
As artificial intelligence drives a boom in data center construction, 80 percent of US electricity consumers say they fear rising utility bills, according to a new survey by solar energy provider Sunrun. The findings highlight growing public unease about how AI’s appetite for power could impact household energy costs and grid reliability.
A nation worried about energy stability
The poll of 1,000 American homeowners found that the vast majority distrust traditional utilities’ ability to meet future energy demand. Respondents expressed concern that the rapid growth of AI and cloud computing infrastructure will strain already aging grids.
More than half of those surveyed reported experiencing at least one blackout or brownout in the past year, and 72 percent expect utility rates to increase in 2026. A third said they are now exploring solar installations or home batteries as protection against rising prices and potential energy shortages.
The data center dilemma
The United States currently hosts more than 5,400 large-scale data centers — a number expected to grow 25 percent by 2027 as companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft expand their AI capacity. Each new facility can consume as much power as tens of thousands of homes, contributing to record electricity demand across multiple states.
Sunrun’s analysts warn that “AI power demand is rising faster than renewable generation capacity,” making it increasingly difficult for utilities to maintain stable pricing. In some regions, such as Texas and Virginia, data center clusters are already forcing local grid operators to import energy during peak hours.
Public distrust in utilities
Survey participants also expressed skepticism about the transparency of power companies. Only 18 percent said they believe utilities are honest about the causes of rising rates, while 62 percent think corporations prioritize industrial clients over residential customers.
“Consumers feel they’re footing the bill for Silicon Valley’s AI revolution,” said energy researcher Olivia Grant. “People see the headlines about $10 billion data campuses and start wondering who’s paying for all that power.”
Renewables and decentralization as solutions
Sunrun’s report advocates for accelerated investment in rooftop solar, home batteries, and decentralized microgrids. These systems, the company argues, can alleviate pressure on centralized utilities and shield households from market volatility.
Government agencies have begun to take notice. The Department of Energy recently launched an initiative to map AI-related power consumption, acknowledging that digital infrastructure now represents a strategic variable in national energy planning.
Conclusion
The Sunrun survey underscores a growing paradox of the digital age: the smarter technology becomes, the hungrier it is for power. Unless utilities adapt, the AI-driven energy race could leave millions of Americans paying the price for innovation that was meant to make life easier.
Editorial Team — CoinBotLab