It bears repeating that data centers, while a high-profile feature of the digital economy, comprise only one component of ICT electric use.

FORBES: Information Technology Has Created a New Electric Demand Paradigm

It is time, they say, to return to first principles, repeating the exercise Mr Ravallion performed almost two decades ago, using the better, more abundant data available now.

ECONOMIST: Has ��a dollar a day�� had its day?