SambaNova commissioned a survey in December 2025 that polled over 2,500 adults across the US and the UK, exploring how people feel about AI’s impact on energy use, electricity costs, and national control of AI infrastructure.
Key Findings Include:
There is great concern about AI’s energy appetite; its potential to drive up bills is now firmly in consciousness, with 75% of respondents fearing AI data centers could lead to higher household energy bills in their area.
People are becoming pro‑efficiency, with 83% believing AI companies should prioritize energy efficiency, even if it slows down technological development.
There is a widespread perception that AI will strain national energy grids, with 71% agreeing that AI data centers will strain their country’s power grid.
