Overview
- Microsoft says it will ask utilities and regulators to set data‑center rates that cover its electricity use and required grid expansions so costs are not shifted to residents.
- The plan includes minimizing water use with replenishment projects, creating local jobs and AI training programs, paying full local taxes, and increasing transparency on siting and impacts.
- President Donald Trump previewed the move Monday and said additional commitments from major tech firms will be announced in the coming weeks.
- Microsoft pointed to new rate structures in places such as Wisconsin and pledged earlier collaboration with utilities to ensure capacity without offloading expenses onto other customers.
- The announcement comes as oversight intensifies and projections show data centers could account for roughly 11%–12% of U.S. electricity in the next few years.