Data Center Costs Supply Grist for Democrats’ Affordability Push

Pledges from Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc.'s Google to cover their power costs for data centers have failed to sway congressional Democrats, who are demanding more accountability to protect Americans against rising electricity bills.

Democrats are pressing tech companies about how they may be driving up power rates as the industry expands its artificial intelligence infrastructure, and are rolling out legislative proposals aimed at preventing households from seeing extra costs.

Growing attention to the issue comes as affordability emerges as a key voter concern ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. A December Morning Consult poll showed that nearly three ...