Well of course they should pay for their own power!! They’re private companies! What am I missing here?
“ Data centers must pay for the grid upgrades they require and can’t siphon power from existing power plants, according to the bill. It also directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to update its rules related to transmission lines — which transport electricity — to allow data centers to reduce demand during peak energy hours. “
This seems reasonable to me.
Right now a data center will come in and demand the power grid be expanded. They will bribe local officials whovwill then allow the electric company to massively increase rates to cover the new infrastructure the data center needs. Its pretty much the same as how the water service is handled.