Landsman Co-sponsors Bill To Protect Residents From Rising Costs Caused By AI Data Centers

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- The annual electricity consumption in the U.S. hit a record high in 2024 and is expected to keep rising. It’s driven in part by the growing demands for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. As a result, communities and small businesses are paying more in their electricity bills.  

“Costs are increasing in every aspect of people’s lives – adding to the affordability crisis. Residents and small businesses in states like Ohio, which is home to nearly 200 data centers, shouldn’t be footing the bill to support them," Congressman Greg Landsman said, adding, "There needs to be a plan to address this.”

To address this, Landsman, who serves all of Warren County, OH and Congressman Don Beyer (from district 8 in Virginia) introduced the Protecting Families from AI Data Center Energy Costs Act – legislation requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to hold a conference with major stakeholders on how to protect residents from increased costs. 

“The rapid growth of data center construction to meet power demands from the proliferation of AI platforms is driving electricity prices up sharply in Virginia and across the country,"  said Beyer, adding, "Our bill would respond to this growing problem to generate policy changes that protect consumers and lower prices for the American people.”

FERC will be required to submit a report with detailed recommendations and best practices to ensure energy costs associated with AI data centers are not passed onto communities.

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