[EIA Expects U.S. Electricity Consumption to Hit Record Highs, Driven by Data Center Construction] According to a report by Jinse Finance on September 10, the EIA's Short-Term Energy Outlook predicts that U.S. electricity sales will reach 4.135 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2026 and 4.211 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2027, both setting record highs. The EIA stated that the growth in electricity demand is primarily driven by data center construction as well as increased manufacturing activity in the commercial and industrial sectors. Despite Texas halting new data center projects from connecting to the grid, the EIA forecasts that the Southwest Central region of the U.S. will still contribute the largest share of electricity sales growth.