Utility companies promise to spare us from AI’s energy bill

Major U.S. utilities and data center operators have joined a voluntary pledge to keep AI infrastructure costs from being passed on to consumers’ electricity bills.

New signatories include NextEra Energy, Duke Energy, Equinix and Digital Realty, with the pledge backed by Donald Trump.

Critics say the promise is nonbinding and may not prevent rate hikes as grid demand rises with AI and data center growth.

The move highlights growing pressure to protect households and businesses from AI-driven power costs, but its impact remains uncertain.