Microsoft's Brad Smith pushes Big Tech to 'pay our way' for AI data centers amid rising opposition

Another source of friction is that big data center developers can strike bulk power deals with local electric utilities that are profitable for utilities, but also kept confidential. That means it may never be clear whether data center operators really are paying for their electricity — or foisting the cost onto the rest of the utility’s ratepayers, consumer advocates say.Electricity bills are expected to keep rising as payments to power plant owners grow to entice the construction of new power sources to m ...