U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Microsoft Corp will make “major changes” this week to ensure American consumers do not face higher electricity bills due to the rising power consumption of data centres.
In a social media post, Trump said his administration was working with major U.S. technology companies to prevent households from bearing the cost of energy-hungry data infrastructure. “I never want Americans to pay higher electricity bills because of data centres,” he said, adding that more announcements would follow in the coming weeks.
Trump said his administration had been in discussions with Microsoft to ensure that consumers “don’t pick up the tab” for large data centres that support the artificial intelligence boom. While acknowledging that such facilities are critical for AI growth, he said technology companies must “pay their own way.”
The President did not provide details on the changes Microsoft would make. Power prices in the U.S. have risen faster than overall inflation, intensifying public concern over energy costs and other essentials.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s remarks. However, the company’s Vice Chair and President, Brad Smith, is scheduled to make an announcement at an event in Washington on Tuesday.
In a statement issued ahead of the event, Microsoft said it has worked with communities to use technology to build long-term value. The company noted that as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is raising questions about who benefits from AI, its broader impact, and who should bear the cost of critical infrastructure.
The Trump administration has backed the rapid buildout of data centres as part of the U.S. effort to compete with China in artificial intelligence. However, rising utility bills linked partly to this expansion have created political pressure. Grid operators and regulators are also grappling with how to distribute costs while ensuring reliable and sufficient power supply.
Political pressure builds
Polls suggest voters remain concerned about the state of the economy during Trump’s second term. In the November elections, Democrats campaigning on promises to lower utility bills won key races in states such as New Jersey, Virginia and Georgia. The issue is expected to remain central as parties prepare for the midterm elections later this year.
On Tuesday, Trump is set to visit a Ford Motor Co. factory in Michigan. He will also address the Detroit Economic Club, where he is expected to promote his tariff and manufacturing policies and respond to voter concerns over rising costs.
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