Electricity demand forecasts estimate how much power consumers and businesses will use in upcoming months. Hot summers, cold winters, or economic expansion raise demand and can push electricity rates upward, while milder weather and slowing growth may ease price pressures.
Electricity Demand Forecasts (Load Forecasts)
4,268 BkWh
Direction: Up
EIA projects total U.S. electricity demand will rise to about 4,268 BkWh in 2026, a 1% increase from 4,195 BkWh in 2025【16821646822132†L27-L29】. Growth is driven by data centers and electrification.
Past Year Trend for Electricity Demand Forecasts
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity sales to end‑use customers are expected to rise 2.4% in 2025 and 2.6% in 2026. The bar chart below illustrates a simple index where 2024 demand is set to 100, rising to 102.4 in 2025 and 105 in 2026. Steadily increasing demand tends to put upward pressure on electricity rates.
