The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has coincided with a surge in energy demand, highlighting the critical role electricity plays in modern business operations. On today’s episode of Business Trends Today, Heidrick & Struggles partner Les Csorba joined us to highlight how AI technology, data centers, and cloud infrastructure are driving unprecedented demand, with data centers alone expected to account for 12% to 15% of U.S. electricity by 2030.
For small business owners, this energy surge is more than a technical issue. Electricity is becoming increasingly important as a strategic factor influencing competitiveness, costs and long-term planning. Chorba emphasizes that energy must now be considered alongside other business inputs such as supply chain and cybersecurity.
The AI revolution is already reshaping the way companies plan their technology and operations, with leading tech companies building dedicated energy infrastructure next to their data centers and investing in “behind-the-meter” power generation to meet growing demand. However, widespread adoption faces challenges including regulatory permitting and supply chain bottlenecks for critical equipment such as gas turbines.
“Energy has always been the foundation of business and industry. We like to say here in Houston that the energy industry is the industry that all industries depend on and depend on.”
Chorba points out that entrepreneurs and small business owners have an opportunity to innovate along the energy value chain. As AI transforms productivity and operations across industries, incorporating an energy strategy early can give companies a competitive edge.
Ultimately, Chorba highlights the far-reaching implications of this change, showing that energy is no longer just a background utility, but an essential strategic input to scale technology-driven growth. As AI adoption increases, companies that proactively plan their energy needs will be well-positioned to thrive in emerging economies.
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