Trump Expands AI Data Center Ratepayer Protection Pledge to States and Utilities Amid Rising Electricity Costs

U.S. President Donald Trump has expanded his 'ratepayer protection pledge' to include 23 state governors, 187 utility companies, and data center developers, aiming to shield consumers from rising electricity costs driven by AI data center power demand. Signatories include major utilities like NextEra Energy, Duke Energy, and Pacific Gas & Electric, as well as data center firms Equinix, Digital Realty, and Prologis. The White House claims the pledge will lower electricity bills, but critics note that PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. grid operator, has increased power costs by 75.5% and imposed a $2-billion infrastructure upgrade bill on Maryland, directly attributed to data centers. Oregon has passed the POWER Act requiring large electricity consumers to pay true costs, resulting in a 30% increase in data center bills and a 1.3% cut for residential customers. Several jurisdictions, including Seattle and New York, have imposed temporary bans on data center developments due to concerns over electricity costs, water quality, and noise pollution. The pledge is not legally enforceable, though California is considering legislation to codify it.