The Trump administration launched the « Ratepayer Protection Pledge » on March 4, 2026, a voluntary commitment asking hyperscale data center operators to self-generate their power or fund infrastructure upgrades. Over 200 utilities and developers have signed, covering roughly 80% of the US electricity market and potentially protecting around 263 million Americans. Data centers account for nearly 40% of recent capacity auction charges in PJM Interconnection, representing $6.3 billion across a market spanning 13 states and the District of Columbia. However, the non-binding nature of the pledge raises concerns: companies face no penalties for non-compliance. This situation unfolds as AI data centers and Bitcoin miners increasingly compete for the same power resources, particularly in Texas, where energy costs constitute the largest variable expense for proof-of-work mining operations.
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