半导体行业观察·2025-08-16 03:38Core Viewpoint - The expansion of AI data centers by major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft is expected to significantly increase electricity demand, potentially raising electricity prices for households and small businesses in the U.S. by 2028 [2][4][8]. Group 1: Electricity Demand and Supply - In 2023, data centers operated by major tech companies accounted for 4% of the national electricity consumption, with projections indicating this could rise to 12% by 2028 due to the energy-intensive nature of AI workloads [4][5]. - The demand for electricity from AI data centers is highly unstable, with rapid shifts from peak to minimal loads, posing risks to grid stability [5][6]. Group 2: Infrastructure and Cost Implications - The surge in electricity demand necessitates significant investments in grid infrastructure, raising questions about who will bear these costs [6][8]. - Utility companies warn that tech firms may reserve more capacity than they ultimately use, potentially leading to financial burdens on taxpayers due to idle infrastructure [6]. Group 3: Impact on Consumers - The rapid growth of AI data centers is likely to drive up electricity prices for consumers, with average U.S. electricity prices having already increased by over 30% since 2020, and further increases projected [8]. - In Ohio, households have seen monthly electricity bills rise by at least $15 since June, attributed to the new demand from data centers [8].