The rapid expansion of data centers across the United States is set to significantly increase electricity consumption, with projections estimating a rise of up to 358.8 terawatt-hours annually by 2025. This surge is primarily driven by tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, who are investing heavily to meet their AI demands. In 2025 alone, 176 new data centers received permits, the highest annual figure since 1976. Many of these facilities are being constructed in rural areas, raising concerns among local residents about environmental impacts, resource depletion, and rising electricity costs. For instance, in Kansas, communities are mobilizing against proposed data centers that threaten local aquifers and farmland. The financial implications are significant, with data centers contributing to a 76% increase in wholesale power costs in early 2026. In response, tech companies have committed to paying their fair share for grid improvements to alleviate the financial burden on local consumers. As the debate intensifies, data centers are becoming a pivotal issue in local and state elections, reflecting the growing tension between technological advancement and community welfare.