DataBank explains electricity bills and data centers

DataBank has published an explanatory article arguing that data centers are not the main driver of rising electricity bills and highlighting grid, fuel, and infrastructure factors.

• The article says data centers do not set electricity prices; regulated utilities charge state-approved commercial or industrial rates, while deregulated markets use negotiated rates like other large businesses.
• It cites natural gas prices rising 56% in 2025, PG&E projecting data center growth could lower household bills by up to 2%, and DataBank saying its own PUE improved from 1.81 in 2020 to 1.5 by end-2025.
• It also notes Texas rates rose about 3.8% in 2025, California rates rose 2.1%, and DataBank says power infrastructure construction starts rose 21.2% in Q1 2026 and are projected to finish the year more than 30% above 2025 levels.