US Senators Urge EIA to Monitor Data Center Energy Consumption Amid Growth Concerns

US Senators are requesting the Energy Information Agency (EIA) to monitor energy consumption in data centers, highlighting issues of double-counting by utilities. The EIA will pilot a voluntary program to gather data from 200 data center operators in Texas, Washington, and Virginia. Senators raised questions about mandatory energy surveys and data collection practices. This request coincides with growing national concerns over data center developments, including proposed legislation for a national moratorium on new data center projects until the AI Security Act is passed.

Published Mar 30, 2026

US Senators are advocating for the Energy Information Agency (EIA) to track the energy consumption of data centers due to concerns over utilities counting projects multiple times, which leads to inflated growth predictions. The EIA plans a pilot program to collect data from around 200 data centers in Texas, Washington, and Virginia, focusing on energy sources and consumption metrics.

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Senators questioned the agency's data collection methods and the potential for mandatory surveys. Their letter follows a trend of legislative actions aimed at regulating data center energy usage, including a proposed national moratorium on new developments until the AI Security Act is enacted.