How AI-Driven Demand Could Send Bills Skyrocketing—and the Strategic Move to Stay Ahead

Energy Costs Set to Surge: How AI-Driven Demand Could Send Bills Skyrocketing—and the Strategic Move to Stay Ahead

As AI and data centers drive unprecedented electricity demand, U.S. businesses are facing a future of steeply rising energy bills that could double over the next decade. According to Bain & Company, utilities may be forced to raise rates by an additional 1%–2% annually to keep pace with this accelerating demand.  For property owners reliant on the grid, the stakes are high: unchecked, these surging costs could seriously erode profit margins and strain tenant relationships. As Aaron Denman of Bain warns, “Even before data centers, we were seeing bill growth in the 7% to 9% range annually. Add another 1% to 2% from data centers, and the growth in rates becomes extraordinary.”

Consider a business currently paying $425,000 per year for electricity. With a compounded increase of 8% annually, that bill could soar to over $917,000 by 2032. In this unfolding energy landscape, the need for alternative solutions is not just clear—it’s urgent.

The strain from AI and data centers is pushing the U.S. grid to its limits. By 2030, data centers alone are projected to consume nearly 9% of the country’s electricity, with utilities scrambling to increase capacity by up to 26% beyond today’s levels. This aggressive expansion far surpasses the 5% growth achieved in the last two decades, underscoring the mounting strain that AI, data processing, and industrial growth will place on the grid.  

Commercial real estate owners have a powerful opportunity to get ahead of these rising costs. By utilizing rooftop solar and battery storage, they can stabilize energy expenses, protect tenants from escalating rates, and elevate their properties as energy-resilient, high-value assets. Working with Tandem Infrastructure, property owners can cut operating costs, attract high-quality tenants, and boost asset value—positioning themselves as leaders in resilience and efficiency in an increasingly volatile energy market.

The time to achieve energy independence is now. Don’t wait for rising utility expenses to erode your bottom line—reach out to Tandem Infrastructure today to secure your energy future and transform inevitable cost increases into sustainable growth in an unpredictable landscape.