Trump unveils ratepayer protection pledge for data centers
Former President Trump announced an expansion of a ratepayer protection pledge aimed at mitigating the electricity costs associated with AI infrastructure. The pledge, joined by Republican governors elect, utilities, and data center developers, seeks to protect Americans from rising electricity demand. It covers 80% of US electricity but is not legally binding.
Former President Donald Trump announced an expansion of a cost pledge tied to artificial intelligence during a visit to the Environmental Protection Agency headquarters. The initiative, termed the "ratepayer protection pledge," aims to shield American households and businesses from higher electricity costs resulting from the growing demand for AI infrastructure.
Trump stated that several Republican governors-elect, utilities, and data center developers are committing to the pledge. He emphasized the economic benefits of data centers, noting that "only smart people want data centers" and that some communities actively desire them due to "tremendous numbers of jobs" and "very little actual disruption."
The White House indicates that the expanded pledge is designed to cover 80% of the electricity delivered across US homes and businesses. However, it was clarified that this pledge is not legally binding.