Since 2023, Grid Strategies has published an annual report examining the near-term load forecasts published by utilities and regional transmission operators in the U.S. Our 2023 report, The Era of Flat Power Demand is Over, received news coverage as the first study to clearly identify that utility load forecasts were sharply rising after decades of relatively flat growth.

Yet in the latest 2025 report, the amount of growth identified in 2023 seems almost quaint by comparison. The aggregate national load forecast has reached 166 GW projected by 2030, a six-fold increase over the “flat” growth that was forecast in 2022. This growth is equivalent to 15x the peak load of New York City. The report also examines the role that data center growth and additional load from manufacturing and electrification play in the 5-year forecast.

Download the 2025 Report

About the methodology: The primary source for the load forecasts analyzed in these reports is data filed by planning area authorities on FERC Form 714. As data become available, Grid Strategies will publish updates as needed.

About the sponsor: Since 2023, Grid Strategies’ load growth forecast reports have been sponsored by Connected Grid Initiative (CGI).

Past Years’ Reports

Update: Strategic Industries Surging (Apr. 2024)

Strategic Industries Surging: Driving U.S. Power Demand (Dec. 2024)

The Era of Flat Power Demand is Over (Dec. 2023)

Addendum: The Era of Flat Power Demand is Over (Dec. 2023)