As part of new initiative designed to help communities located near AI infrastructure, Microsoft has pledged to pay higher utility rates to cover the electricity costs required to operate its data centres in the US.
In a five-point Community-First AI Infrastructure initiative, Microsoft stated it would pay its way to ensure “data centres don’t increase your electricity prices”.
It explained it would pay rates high enough to cover electricity costs, as well as collaborate with utilities on plans to add the power it requires and ensure its data centres run efficiently. Furthermore, Microsoft plans to advocate for public policies needed for affordable, reliable and sustainable power.
The pledge around electricity costs comes after US President Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social the government had been in talks with Microsoft to ensure consumers “don’t pick up the tab for enormous data centres”.
President Trump added big technology companies must pay their way for data centres, which are key to powering AI.
High bar
Also included in Microsoft’s plan are pledges to minimise the amount of water data centres use; create more jobs across communities through partnerships with local construction companies to train workers; add to taxes which fund local hospitals, schools, parks and libraries; and to invest in local AI training and non-profits.
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, said the plan “reflects our sense of civic responsibility as well as a broad and long-term view of what it will take to run a successful AI infrastructure business. In short, we will set a high bar”.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Microsoft
