AI热潮带来电价飙升，美国家庭正遭遇“电力危机”

Core Insights - The surge in electricity prices in the U.S. is significantly driven by the increasing demand for computing power due to the AI boom, leading to a situation where electricity bills are becoming a heavy burden for ordinary Americans [1][2][10]. Group 1: Electricity Price Trends - Over the past decade, the average electricity price for U.S. residents has increased by 32%, with a notable rise since 2022 that has outpaced inflation, a trend expected to continue until at least 2026 [2][5]. - Since 2020, the average electricity price has risen by over 30%, contrasting with the relatively stable energy expenditures from 2000 to 2020 [5][9]. - The average annual energy expenditure per household in 2024 is projected to be $5,530, with electricity costs accounting for $1,850 [5][10]. Group 2: Factors Contributing to Price Increases - Multiple factors contribute to the rising electricity prices, including post-pandemic demand rebound, fuel price volatility, inflation, tariffs, slow transmission line construction, and delays in new power generation facilities [6][9]. - The AI boom is identified as a significant new factor, particularly affecting regions near data centers, where electricity prices have surged by 267% compared to five years ago [6][9]. Group 3: Future Projections and Implications - By 2035, it is predicted that electricity consumption by global data centers will exceed 4%, with U.S. data centers expected to double their electricity demand, accounting for nearly 9% of total U.S. electricity demand [9][10]. - The reliability of the U.S. power grid is under strain, with experts warning of a potential electricity reliability crisis due to the increasing demand from data centers [9][11]. - High electricity prices are particularly burdensome for low-income households, with many families facing difficult choices between paying for electricity and other essential expenses [10][12]. Group 4: Policy and Regulatory Responses - There is a call for urgent government action to alleviate the impact of high electricity prices on vulnerable households, such as enhancing energy assistance programs for low-income families [13][14]. - Experts suggest that data centers should be required to generate their own power to reduce competition for existing grid resources [14].