Can a single data center use as much power as 5,000 homes? | Fact brief

A single data center can use far more than the energy needed to power 5,000 American homes.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average U.S. household uses about 10,700 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. At that rate, 5,000 homes consume roughly 53.5 million kilowatt-hours annually.

Large data centers can far exceed that threshold. Pew Research Center reported that a typical artificial intelligence-focused “hyperscale” data center consumes enough energy to power 100,000 households.

According to Data Center Map, a leading industry registry, the U.S. has over 4,300 data centers, including nine in Maine. Those centers consumed 183 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2024, according to Pew.

Some communities have opposed data centers — especially those for AI — over concerns about electricity costs, grid strain, water use and limited local economic benefits. Lewiston officials recently unanimously rejected a proposed facility following public opposition.