A Bloomberg News analysis links rising demand for artificial intelligence and other digital services to a rapid expansion of large-scale data centers across the United States.
The report finds that in regions hosting these facilities, wholesale electricity prices climbed by more than 100% over the past five years. Local markets closest to the centers experienced the sharpest increases.
Industry analysts say the sheer energy needs of massive data centers intensify local power demand, putting upward pressure on wholesale rates in affected areas.
Leonardo Nicoletti, investigative data reporter for Bloomberg News, discussed the analysis and its implications for households when he joined CBS News.
The findings highlight growing challenges for policymakers and consumers as AI-driven infrastructure expands and energy markets adjust.