The explosive growth of AI is straining data centers, with projections showing that they could consume half of all energy by 2025. This rising demand creates serious infrastructure challenges and puts a strain on existing power grids worldwide. The impact extends beyond simply powering more servers; it fuels a surge in energy costs, impacting both technological innovation and market dynamics. As AI-specific data centers are particularly power-hungry, consuming up to 100,000 homes’ worth of electricity, this trend is reshaping the energy landscape and forcing facilities to scale their energy needs. Experts anticipate this growing demand will soon exceed U.S. energy consumption for all refrigerators. This underscores the urgent need for substantial investment in energy infrastructure and a proactive approach from policymakers to adapt existing utilities and transmission networks.