President Trump Expands AI Data Center Ratepayer Protection Pledge to Shield Consumers
President Donald Trump announced an expansion of the 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge,' a voluntary commitment aimed at ensuring consumers do not bear the costs associated with the expansion of AI data centers. Nearly 200 additional entities, including major utilities and data center developers, have joined the pledge, which now covers 80% of the power delivered to U.S. homes and businesses. The announcement was made at the Environmental Protection Agency, with key figures such as Energy Secretary Chris Wright and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin present. The pledge, initially issued in March, requires AI companies to cover the costs of new power delivery infrastructure needed for their data centers. This expansion comes amid growing bipartisan concerns over the impact of data centers on electricity prices, which have risen 4% year-over-year. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is considering the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would mandate that data center builders pay for grid upgrades. 
