economy
February 15, 2026
Trump trade adviser Navarro says administration may force data center builders like Meta to 'internalize' costs
Data centers powering artificial intelligence have strained the electrical grid and driven utility costs higher for consumers.
TL;DR
- The White House is considering forcing data center builders to pay for their electricity, water, and grid impact.
- This move is partly in response to rising utility costs and voter concerns about affordability.
- Data centers powering AI are straining the U.S. electricity grid.
- President Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro stated the need for data centers to 'internalize the cost.'
- Navarro blamed former President Joe Biden for inflation, while polls suggest voters blame the Trump administration for rising costs.
- A pact was signed in January urging grid operator PJM Interconnection to have tech companies pay for new power plants.
- President Trump announced a deal with Microsoft to ensure consumers don't pay for data center power consumption.
- Microsoft pledged not to raise utility costs near its data centers and to replenish water usage.
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