Senators urge energy agency to track data center usage

US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Josh Hawley are pushing the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to mandate annual electricity usage disclosures for data centers. They argue this data is vital for accurate grid planning and preventing increased electricity costs for consumers due to the booming data center industry. Currently, comprehensive federal data on data center energy consumption is lacking, with information often considered proprietary. The senators are seeking mandatory collection, including data on behind-the-meter power, to ensure transparency and accountability from Big Tech companies regarding their energy footprint.