US President Donald Trump has made a significant announcement this week. He revealed that Microsoft will introduce major changes to its operations. The goal is simple: American households should not foot the bill for the tech giant's power-hungry AI data centers.
Trump's Direct Message to Big Tech
President Trump expressed his firm stance on the social media platform Truth Social. He wrote clearly, "I never want Americans to pay higher Electricity bills because of Data Centers." He emphasized that the large technology companies building these centers must "pay their own way." This statement comes at a critical time.
Rising Utility Bills Across America
Utility bills have been climbing in at least thirteen US states. The massive energy demands of AI infrastructure are driving these increases. Recent data shows electricity prices jumped about six percent compared to last year. Some regions experienced much sharper spikes. For example, Maine saw electricity costs surge by as much as thirty-six percent.
Political Pressure Before Midterm Elections
Trump's move signals a broader effort to control Big Tech's energy consumption. This push comes just before the upcoming midterm elections. His administration has focused on lowering costs for consumers in various areas. These include mortgage rates and prescription drugs like Ozempic.
Microsoft's Response and Local Actions
Microsoft has already shown awareness of this issue. Company president Brad Smith addressed residents at a town hall in Wisconsin last September. He told them, "I just want you to know we are doing everything we can... so that you all don't have to pay more for electricity because of our presence." The company took concrete action by canceling plans for a data center in Caledonia, Wisconsin. Local opposition played a key role in that decision.
Unconventional Energy Strategies
Microsoft's approach to powering its AI ambitions has taken some unexpected turns. In 2024, the company signed a twenty-year deal. This agreement involves purchasing power from the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania. This is the same facility known for America's worst nuclear accident in 1979.
Federal Support and Future Plans
The Trump administration supported this move with a one billion dollar federal loan in November 2025. The reactor scheduled to reopen is separate from the one involved in the 1979 meltdown. It is expected to become operational by 2027. This reactor will generate enough power for approximately eight hundred thousand homes.
President Trump hinted that more announcements are coming. He plans to engage with other major technology companies. Firms like Meta, Amazon, and Google have already made similar promises. They have pledged to cover their own utility costs amid growing consumer dissatisfaction.
