Large language models, like ChatGPT from OpenAI, have become integral to daily life, assisting with tasks from meal planning to travel itineraries. As of March 2026, ChatGPT commands 60.4% of the AI market, boasting 900 million weekly active users worldwide, including 205 million in the U.S. and 198 million in India. Despite its popularity, traditional search engines like Google remain essential, handling billions of queries daily. Users prefer ChatGPT for personal tasks, while other AI tools serve professional needs. However, the energy demands of using ChatGPT are substantial; a single prompt utilizes about 18.9 watt-hours—far exceeding that of a Google search. This translates to annual energy consumption greater than that of nations like Puerto Rico. With estimated annual electricity costs at $3.019 billion, OpenAI’s subscriber revenue is anticipated to reach $15.8 billion in 2026, indicating sustainable growth despite high energy expenditures.
Source link
