# US House Advances AI Data Center Power Cost Legislation

The US House of Representatives is preparing to vote on the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, which mandates that large AI data centers consuming over 100 megawatts of electricity finance their own power infrastructure expansions. This legislative effort aims to prevent the transfer of grid upgrade costs to local consumers, including households and small businesses, amid rising electricity demand driven by AI and cryptocurrency data centers. Concurrently, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced a community investment framework to ensure local benefits from data center developments within the state.

- Procurement professionals should note the potential impact on utility infrastructure contracts as data center operators will be responsible for funding grid expansions.
- Contractors specializing in power infrastructure and grid modernization may find increased opportunities due to the shift in cost responsibility to data center operators.
- Organizations involved in AI data center development should prepare for new financial and regulatory requirements related to power infrastructure investments.
- State-level initiatives like New York's community investment framework indicate growing emphasis on local benefits and stakeholder engagement in data center projects.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Information Technology
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- US House of Representatives (House)
- State of New York
- Empire State Development
- U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
- New York State Government

### Key Quotes
> My bill protects consumers if one of these massive customers scales back operations or walks away after infrastructure has already been built to accommodate its demand. Families and small businesses should not be left paying for expansions they did not require.
> — Gabe Evans, Representative

> The innovation economys growing demand for data centers must be matched by shared standards that ensure communities benefit.
> — Hope Knight, President, Empire State Development

> As artificial intelligence rapidly changes the world we know, I wont allow New Yorks communities and the families who live here to be taken advantage of, and thats why Ill continue stepping up, putting New Yorkers first.
> — Kathy Hochul, Governor

### Sources
- [US House moves to curb rising power bills linked to AI data centers - Cryptopolitan](https://www.cryptopolitan.com/us-house-targets-ai-power-costs) - cryptopolitan.com
- [U.S. House to vote on bill to curb AI data center-driven power bill hikes](https://www.digitaltoday.co.kr/en/view/104649/us-house-to-vote-on-bill-to-curb-ai-data-center-driven-power-bill-hikes) - 디지털투데이