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politics20h ago
US senators demand answers about utility companies' 'secret contracts' with tech giants: 'Forcing local communities to sign NDAs'
- Lawmakers led by Senator Elizabeth Warren press Google, Microsoft, Amazon and Meta for transparency on data-center energy use and its impact on consumers.
- Experts warn data centers could use up to 12% of U.S. electricity by 2028, accelerating energy-cost pressures in several states.
- PJM Interconnection and northeastern governors urge an emergency power auction to secure long-term electricity for growing data-center needs.
- Tech firms pledge to cover portions of electricity costs but stop short of guaranteeing bills for families.
- Analysts highlight environmental costs of data centers, including large cooling systems and water use.
- Homeowners are encouraged to consider solar upgrades as a way to cut rising electric bills.
- Energy-savings programs from EnergySage and Palmetto are cited as avenues for cost reductions on solar installations.
- The article notes rising electricity costs are prompting grid operators to reevaluate planning capacity.
- Critics warn NDAs from local communities hinder transparency about who pays for energy use.
- The article ties the AI boom to energy demand, stressing data centers' role in powering new services.
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