North Carolina Democrats criticize Whatley for Duke Energy and data center investments
North Carolina Democrats are criticizing Republican US Senate candidate Michael Whatley for his investments in Duke Energy and major data center companies like Microsoft, Nvidia, Google, and Apple. This comes amidst rising energy prices, widespread opposition to data centers, and the adoption of moratoriums by 47 local governments across the state. Democrats are calling for Whatley to sell his data center investments and denounce Duke Energy's proposed rate hikes.
North Carolina Democrats are intensifying their criticism of Republican US Senate candidate Michael Whatley over his financial investments in Duke Energy and major data center companies. During a press conference in Raleigh, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton and State Sen. Natalie Murdock (D-Durham, Chatham counties) highlighted Whatley's reported holdings, which include at least $149,000 in Duke Energy stock and up to $1.6 million in data center firms like Microsoft, Nvidia, Google, and Apple. This comes as Duke Energy seeks to raise utility rates, a move that has already caused electricity bills to soar for many North Carolinians.
The criticism is also set against a backdrop of growing statewide opposition to data centers, with a recent North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Foundation (NCLCVF) survey showing 80% of voters experienced rising utility bills and 48% oppose data centers. As of September 9, 47 local governments across the state have adopted moratoriums on new data center approvals, with more being debated. Democrats are urging Whatley to divest from his data center investments and denounce Duke Energy's proposed rate hikes, arguing his financial ties represent a conflict of interest.
Whatley's campaign spokesperson, DJ Griffin, has previously stated that data centers should "pay their own way," covering construction costs and grid upgrades without burdening residential ratepayers. However, critics like Clayton argue Whatley's public stance against data centers only emerged after he launched his Senate campaign. Wake County resident Camille Kauer also expressed concerns about AI's societal impact, advocating for regulations akin to those for other powerful technologies, noting she lost her job due to AI integration. This broader discussion on AI regulation, also supported by tech leaders like Elon Musk, Dario Amodei, and Sam Altman, adds another layer to the debate surrounding the energy-intensive data center industry.