Data centers

Data centers

Trump asks tech titans to sign an energy pledge, but is it just PR?

The “ratepayer protection pledge” pushes data center builders to shoulder their own power costs, but the federal government has no chance of enforcing it.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 6 March 2026
Data centers

How states are trying to keep AI data centers off your power bill

“Large load tariffs” are spreading fast as states scramble to protect consumers and the climate from the AI boom. Some approaches have more promise than others.

By Jeff St. John . 4 March 2026
Transmission

Virginia to utilities: Do more with the existing power grid

Amid rising energy costs, the state just passed a first-of-a-kind bill that would force utilities to quantify and examine ways to reduce waste on the grid.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 3 March 2026
Guest essay

AI: Does not compute

Building fossil-fuel infrastructure to power data centers is a poor bet. Renewables are by far the cheaper, faster choice.

By Amory B. Lovins, Justin Locke . 2 March 2026
Data centers

Politicians wake up to the data center dilemma

Data centers and their immense power demand are driving discussions from the White House down to county governments — and are sure to shape this year's midterm elections.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 27 February 2026
Batteries

Gigantic Form Energy battery to power Google data center in Minnesota

The startup has struck a deal with Xcel Energy to build a 30 gigawatt-hour battery plant that will deliver clean energy, round the clock, to a Google facility.

By Julian Spector . 24 February 2026
Clean aluminum

Loss of green smelter highlights Kentucky’s need for clean electricity

Century Aluminum chose Oklahoma, not Kentucky, for a new smelter. Some say it’s a "wake-up call" for the Bluegrass State to modernize – and decarbonize – its grid.

By Maria Gallucci . 10 February 2026
Data centers

Wisconsin debates how to pay for the power-hungry AI boom

Regulators mull the first big utility plan to provide electricity to data centers flocking to the state, igniting disputes over consumer protection and clean energy.

By Kari Lydersen . 27 January 2026
Batteries

A Texas data center will open sooner thanks to an offline grid battery

While Eolian makes important upgrades to a 100-megawatt battery, the company will lend that grid connection to help CyrusOne’s data center get up and running.

By Julian Spector . 22 January 2026
Data centers

Trump’s plan to make data centers pay for power plants has big flaws

Mid-Atlantic governors joined the White House to push grid operator PJM to make tech giants pay for new "baseload" power. But experts are skeptical.

By Jeff St. John . 16 January 2026