Donalds introduced H.R. 9777, known as the Protecting Ratepayers Act, as the rapid expansion of hyperscale AI data centers raises concerns nationwide about strain on the power grid and water resources. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates data centers could consume up to 9% of all U.S. electricity generation by 2030, a sharp increase from current levels. Supporters of the proposal say it could help shield customers in Florida and across the country from future utility rate increases tied to growing energy demand from artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The Trump administration recently announced the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, a voluntary agreement involving major technology companies, utilities and state leaders intended to keep the cost of powering new AI facilities from being passed on to residential and commercial utility customers. Donalds' legislation would move beyond voluntary commitments by creating federal requirements for large-scale AI data centers.
The pledge has been signed by several major technology companies, including Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle and xAI.
Mehran Basiratmand, director of innovations and programs at Florida Atlantic University, said the proposed legislation could address some of the biggest public concerns surrounding AI data centers. Basiratmand previously served as chairperson of the policy board for what he described as the state's largest data center. He said requiring companies to generate their own power could encourage investment in alternative energy solutions rather than placing added pressure on public infrastructure.