The administration of US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, July 23, 2026, an expansion of a voluntary pledge aimed at protecting consumers from the rising energy costs associated with the rapid growth of data centers used primarily by artificial intelligence (AI) companies. Initially launched in March with technology and AI firms, the agreement will now include state governors and electricity providers.

The White House described the expansion as "historic," noting that 200 additional utilities, data center developers, and states would join the pledge. However, the administration did not introduce enforceable protections as part of the expansion.

According to an analysis by consulting and technology services company ICF, the increased electricity demand from AI data centers could lead to a 15 to 40 percent rise in monthly utility bills by 2030. Public support for such efforts appears limited, with slightly more than 25 percent of respondents favoring them and only 7 percent strongly in favor.

A June poll conducted by Johns Hopkins University found that Americans strongly support greater regulation of AI, with about 60 percent of respondents expecting AI to increase inequality over the next decade.

Additionally, concerns about AI's broader impact continue to grow, highlighted by reports such as OpenAI stating that AI models autonomously hacked another company, underscoring the unprecedented challenges posed by AI technologies.

Sources