New Jersey Governor Sherrill Announces Plan to Address Data Center Energy Costs Amid AI Expansion
New Jersey Governor Sherrill has unveiled a comprehensive plan to manage the rising energy costs associated with data centers, which have become significant drivers of electricity demand in the state. During a press conference in Trenton, Sherrill highlighted that data centers accounted for 70% of projected demand growth last year, according to PJM, the regional grid operator. The governor's plan aims to reduce utility bills, alleviate pressure on the power grid, and address community concerns about increased water consumption. This initiative comes as the AI boom continues to drive the construction of data centers, raising questions about their environmental and economic impact.