LBNL reference case; scenario range 9.5%–15.3% of U.S. use.
Electricity ledger →A public ledger of AI’s resource costs
How AI data centers affect electricity, water, and prices
AI data centers need power, chips, equipment, workers and money. This site tracks where that demand is creating measurable competition and where AI is simply getting the blame. Every grade comes with sources and a check date.
Crowding Index
How the score works
The Crowding Index measures how prices and availability in AI-exposed input markets have changed relative to comparable markets with less direct AI demand, using January 2024 as a baseline of 100. The v1 score combines two scored components against a matched all-commodities control.
See the score, basket and calculation rules →DOE’s 2024 distribution-transformer range; large units can reach 3–4 years.
Equipment ledger →Micron’s reported HBM-to-DDR5 production trade ratio.
Memory ledger →GE Vernova backlog plus slot reservations at Q1 2026.
Turbine ledger →Latest resource grades
Markets with the clearest signal
SemiconductorsAI-driven
Memory (DRAM & HBM)
3:1HBM-to-DDR5 capacity trade ratio reported by Micron
AI memory demand is squeezing the same production capacity used for ordinary DRAM.
See the evidence →SemiconductorsAI-contributing
Storage (NAND & SSDs)
+30.4%BLS storage-device PPI, Jan 2024 to Jun 2026
Storage prices rose 30.4%; available data does not isolate AI’s share.
See the evidence →Grid equipmentAI-contributing
Transformers & Switchgear
1–2+ yrdistribution-transformer lead time in 2024
Data centers are adding demand to a transformer shortage that started earlier.
See the evidence →Generation equipmentAI-contributing
Gas Turbines
100 GWGE Vernova backlog plus slot reservations, Q1 2026
Data centers occupy turbine slots within a broader power-construction boom.
See the evidence →Claim report cards
A page for each recurring claim
AI-driven“AI is driving the return of U.S. electricity-demand growth.”Supported at the national demand level→Contested“AI raised my household electricity bill.”The effect is utility-specific→Scapegoated“AI caused the transformer shortage.”Overstated: AI adds demand to an older shortage with several causes→
How a grade is made
The same four checks for every grade
- 1Write down the claim
Use the wording people actually repeat.
- 2Trace how it would happen
Identify the market, the other buyers and the supply limit.
- 3Check the best sources
Start with public data, agency work and company filings.
- 4Review it by hand
Tools draft updates. The editor approves every publication.
Public changelog
Every meaningful revision gets a date.
Grade changes, source replacements and revised figures all go into one public record, including corrections that do not change the overall conclusion.
Read the changelog →Research updates
Follow every release.
The Changes page records every data update, editorial revision, grade change and correction in chronological order.
Follow releases →About this project
AI growth consumes real resources.
AI architect David Veksler maintains this project. Software flags new data and drafts updates. David reviews every publication. The site discloses his affiliations and the capital-markets conflict. It has no ads, sponsors or affiliate links. About & disclosures →