Senate Democrats reject bill to make data centers cover their own costs
The U.S. Senate rejected a procedural motion to advance the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would have required utility regulators to consider making large data centers pay for grid upgrades. Democrats argued the bill was too weak because it suggested rather than required that data centers cover those costs, while Republicans blamed Democrats for blocking affordability protections.
The Senate voted 57-43 against advancing the Ratepayer Protection Act, falling short of the 60 votes needed to begin debate. The bill, backed by Ohio Sen. Jon Husted and supported by nearly all House members, would have directed state utility regulators to consider standards requiring large data centers to cover costly electrical-grid upgrades tied to their energy use.
Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, said the proposal did not adequately protect households and businesses because its requirements were optional. Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, accused Democrats of politically blocking a measure intended to reduce electricity costs. With Congress leaving for its campaign recess, action on data-center energy costs is unlikely before November and could slip into next year.