Story perspectives

Virginia Data Centers May Raise Residential Bills $37 / Month by 2040

6/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. data centers may use up to 12% of electricity by 2028, while Virginia consumes about 26% of its power.
Researchers report Virginia data centers affect residents through air, water, noise, land use and energy costs.
In 2023 they emitted 2.2% of greenhouse-gas emissions, releasing pollutants linked to respiratory/neurological diseases, prompting a 2024 Virginia report projecting residential electricity bills could rise $14-$37 per month by 2040 due to data-center strain.

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Story summary

U.S. data centers may use up to 12% of electricity by 2028, while Virginia consumes about 26% of its power.
Researchers report Virginia data centers affect residents through air, water, noise, land use and energy costs.
In 2023 they emitted 2.2% of greenhouse-gas emissions, releasing pollutants linked to respiratory/neurological diseases, prompting a 2024 Virginia report projecting residential electricity bills could rise $14-$37 per month by 2040 due to data-center strain.