How much of the electricity requested for AI data centers will actually materialize?
According to Bloomberg reporting on August 12, 2026, US grid operators and utilities are likely to commit to only about 28 percent of the 1,066 gigawatts requested for data center projects. More than two-thirds of the electricity sought is classified as phantom demand — speculative requests unlikely to result in actual construction.
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Two-Thirds of AI Data Center Power Demand Is Phantom and Won't MaterializeBloomberg reports most electricity requested for US AI data centers will never be built — only about 28% of 1,066 gigawatts sought is likely to be committed.
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