Data Center Power Usage Matches 5,000 Homes: A Closer Look
The energy consumption of data centers is staggering, with a single center consuming electricity comparable to that used by 5,000 American homes. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the average household utilizes approximately 10,700 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. This translates to about 53.5 million kWh per year for 5,000 households.
Data Centers and Their Energy Use
Large facilities, particularly those focused on artificial intelligence, known as hyperscale data centers, can consume even more. Reports from the Pew Research Center indicate that these massive data centers can provide enough energy for around 100,000 homes.
Statistics on U.S. Data Centers
- Number of data centers in the U.S.: Over 4,300
- Data centers in Maine: 9
- Total electricity consumption in 2024: 183 billion kWh
Public Concerns and Local Opposition
Communities are raising concerns about the establishment of new data centers, particularly those focused on AI. Issues cited include rising electricity costs, potential strain on the local power grid, excessive water usage, and limited economic benefits for the community. In a recent example, officials in Lewiston unanimously decided against a proposed data facility amid public objections.
As the demand for data centers continues to grow, this situation sparks critical discussions regarding energy management, sustainability, and local economic impact. The Maine Trust for Local News collaborates with Gigafact to provide concise fact-checks that inform these important conversations.
