Big Tech’s A.I. data centers are significantly increasing electricity costs across the US. As tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft build new facilities and expand into the energy sector, individual consumers and small businesses may see sharp rises in their utility bills.
Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are investing heavily in artificial intelligence (A.I.) data centers, which require large amounts of electricity to operate. These investments come as these companies diversify into the energy business, seeking to secure stable power supply and mitigate potential outages.
According to Ivan Penn, a reporter covering the energy industry for The Times, the impact on consumers will be substantial. “The increasing demand for electricity from A.I. data centers poses a significant challenge to our current energy infrastructure,” he notes.
Karen Weise, a technology writer based in Seattle, adds that these companies are not only expanding their own operations but also influencing the broader energy landscape. “Amazon and Microsoft are driving up costs and forcing utility companies to rethink their business models,” she explains.
As these tech giants continue to expand into the energy sector, consumers can expect electricity rates to rise sharply. The shift towards A.I.-powered data centers is transforming the US energy market, with far-reaching implications for households and businesses alike.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/14/business/energy-environment/ai-data-centers-electricity-costs.html