A new bipartisan measure has advanced in Congress to address rising electricity costs linked to the growing demand from data centers, though it stops short of mandating strict regulations. The legislation encourages states to adopt standards that would shift some of the financial burden of increased energy use onto tech companies operating large data centers. While the bill does not impose direct federal requirements, it sets a framework for states to potentially implement their own policies. Supporters argue the measure could help protect consumers from higher utility bills as data center energy consumption continues to climb.
The House on Tuesday passed a bill aimed at shielding Americans from increased electricity costs associated with data centers. The bill requires states to consider taking up standards that would force tech companies to shoulder the electricity cost increases associated with large data centers but doesn't actually require them to regulate. The bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act,...
