Role of A.I. Data Centers in Rising Electricity Costs

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Three Democrats are seeking information from tech firms about the growing energy use of data centers and the utility bills of individuals and other businesses.

Posted by retort at 09:09 AM | 8 COMMENTS | permalink

As data centers pop up in every corner of the country, their electricity demands are spiking rates for everyone.
But why on Earth should you be covering the electricity bill of a billion-dollar tech giant?
This week, @warren.senate.gov, @blumenthal.senate.gov, & I are asking big tech just that.[image or embed]
-- Senator Chris Van Hollen (@vanhollen.senate.gov) Dec 16, 2025 at 1:23 PM

Comments

More corporate welfare. Let the peons pay higher rates so the .01% can take more.

#1 | Posted by bat4255 at 2025-12-17 11:29 AM

So, not a ballroom?

#2 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2025-12-17 12:16 PM

"But why on Earth should you be covering the electricity bill of a billion-dollar tech giant?"

Same reason People in California who use 20% of the water pay more than Agriculture (and other Businesses like Data Centers) that use 80% of the water.

It's because they're billionaires and you're not.

#3 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-12-17 12:20 PM

Welfare for the Rich.

They get the Cheap Energy....... and Everybody Else gets the Bill.

Like the Aristocracy of Old, Tax Exempt but they owned almost Everything.

It's Great While it Lasts.....

#5 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2025-12-17 09:01 PM

And the cost of RAM.

#6 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2025-12-17 11:14 PM

A couple cents per kilowatt is a small price to pay for AI generated memes.

#7 | Posted by visitor_ at 2025-12-18 01:12 AM

What's a temporary housing shortage compared to Space being free?