Energy company stops woman from lowering AC during heat wave
A Colorado resident experienced remote control of her AC by Xcel Energy during a heatwave due to grid strain, highlighting broader concerns about energy demand. The article links this event to the significant energy needs of the AI industry and data centers, noting public opposition and government actions like Texas's data center moratorium.
A Colorado resident, Kyri Baker, an engineering professor at UC Boulder, described her experience with Xcel Energy's "Saver's Switch" program during a heatwave. Despite enrolling for compensation, her smart thermostat was remotely controlled by the company, preventing her from lowering her home's temperature below 79-80 degrees Fahrenheit due to regional grid stress. Baker expressed frustration, noting the safety implications and the need for grid upgrades, as Xcel projects a five percent increase in Colorado's energy demands by 2029. Xcel senior marketing manager Dan Rasmussen defended the program as a grid management tool but acknowledged customer feedback and announced plans to simplify opt-out procedures.
The incident is presented as a precursor to future energy regulation, exacerbated by the growing demands of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry and its reliance on energy-intensive data centers, which have become a contentious issue nationwide. Public sentiment reflects this concern, with polls indicating strong opposition to data center construction and fears of increased electricity costs. Specifically, Gallup reported 71 percent opposition in March, and a June Reuters/Ipsos poll found 64 percent believe rapid data center construction is negative.
Government entities have already begun responding to these concerns. Conservative Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a moratorium on new data centers pending a comprehensive impact audit. Similarly, Michigan politician Abdul El-Sayed campaigned against data centers during his successful bid for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination. The article suggests that the Denver incident further amplifies public apprehension regarding the impact of data centers on energy infrastructure and consumer utility bills.