The EIA's Short-Term Energy Outlook forecasts U.S. electricity sales of 4.135
trillion kWh in 2026 and 4.211 trillion kWh in 2027, both record highs. The
agency cites data-center construction and stronger commercial and industrial
manufacturing activity as the main demand drivers; despite Texas suspending new
data‑center grid interconnections, the EIA expects the U.S.
Southwest/Midcontinent region to contribute the largest share of sales growth.