US electricity demand grew only 2% in the first seven months of 2026, slower than the 3% year-over-year increase in the same period last year, due in part to efficiency gains and data centers generating their own power. Solar generation growth also decelerated to 22% from over 30% year-over-year, though still substantial. The data reflects a maturing solar market where percentage growth naturally declines as the installed base expands.
Background
US solar installations have experienced explosive growth since 2020, driven by declining panel costs and Inflation Reduction Act incentives, making this first visible deceleration in growth rates noteworthy for energy planners. Electricity demand forecasts have been tightly watched as AI data centers threaten to significantly increase grid consumption.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Sep 26, 2026 at 02:27 AM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10