Donald Trump expands pledge to keep AI data center costs off US power bills

President Donald Trump announced an expansion of a voluntary Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the EPA on July 23, adding more than 200 utilities, developers, co‑ops and states. The pledge obligates AI data‑center operators and major tech firms – including Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI and Oracle – to fund the power plants and grid upgrades needed for their facilities, so that electricity costs are not passed on to household ratepayers.

The initiative cites examples such as Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s deal with Meta, which he says will save ratepayers $2.6 billion. Critics argue the pledge lacks enforcement and label it “performative kabuki theater.”