The US federal government’s Energy Information Administration is planning a mandatory nationwide survey of data centers, focusing on their energy use. This move comes in response to inquiries from Senators Elizabeth Warren and Josh Hawley about the state's knowledge of these power-hungry facilities.

Warren argues that Americans deserve transparency regarding data center energy consumption, linking it to rising utility bills. The EIA’s survey is a significant first step but highlights the lack of official data on this rapidly expanding industry.

The proliferation of data centers has sparked public concern and proposed legislation aimed at curbing their resource use. However, much of the information about their energy consumption remains proprietary, with many developers turning to their own power sources. This shift introduces new environmental concerns, such as air pollution from gas-powered facilities.

Despite the EIA’s plans for pilot surveys in Texas, Washington state, and Virginia, details such as how questions will be tailored to individual data centers remain unclear. The second tranche of surveys is expected by late September, with a nationwide mandatory survey following suit.