Energy industry insiders advise lawmakers on supporting AI growth, protecting ratepayers

(The Center Square) – Energy industry experts testified before Congress about what lawmakers should include in legislation looking to support the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence while protecting ratepayers from affected energy costs.

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing Wednesday discussing multiple bills that have been drafted and several that have been introduced that aim to enhance the nation’s electrical grid and advance American dominance in AI while protecting ratepayers from rising electricity costs.

Several big players from the energy industry emphasized that legislation addressing these issues should require tech companies building data centers to pay for the “full incremental cost” of their projects, foster more reliable load forecasts and “preserve state and local discretion.”

The growth for the demand in electricity is surging after at least 15 years of “nearly flat electricity consumption,” a...