U.S. Utilities, Data Center Firms Pledge to Shield Consumers From AI Power Costs

Artificial intelligence is driving a sharp increase in data-center electricity demand, forcing utilities to consider new generation and grid investments that could otherwise be recovered through broader customer rates. The White House launched its Ratepayer Protection Pledge on March 4, 2026, calling on technology companies to build, secure or fully fund the power and infrastructure required for their facilities instead of shifting those costs to households and small businesses.

Nearly 200 utilities and data-center developers have joined the pledge, covering about 80% of electricity delivered to U.S. homes and businesses, the Wall Street Journal reported on July 21, citing a White House list. Signatories include NextEra Energy, Duke Energy, Equinix and Digital Realty. President Donald Trump is due to announce the expanded roster at an Environmental Protection Agency event on July 23. The voluntary agreement calls for separate rate structures and grid-reliability coordination, but no aggregate dollar commitment or federal penalty has been disclosed.