# Senate Proposes Data Center Power-Cost Rules

The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 was introduced in the Senate on September 16 and is awaiting committee votes before possible House consideration. If enacted, it would require data centers to pay their full electricity costs and incremental grid-expansion costs, provide upfront financial guarantees, and continue payments if a project exits early. Creekstone Energy says its proposed $17 billion Delta Gigasite and associated power development in Delta, Utah, already align with the bill’s approach; the proposal could therefore affect how data center developers and government buyers evaluate project power costs and infrastructure responsibilities.

- The bill is proposed, not yet enacted. Procurement teams should distinguish its potential requirements from current obligations when planning data center procurements or evaluating bids.
- Developers and contractors pursuing data center projects may need to account for electricity, grid upgrades, upfront guarantees, and potential exit-related payments in project financing and pricing if the bill advances.
- Creekstone’s Delta Gigasite illustrates a large-scale project positioned around the proposed cost-allocation model; its stated value is **$17 billion**.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Policy, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Senate
- Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

### Vendors
- Creekstone Energy (Data center and power-infrastructure project developer)

### Key Quotes
> I would expect data centers coming in now, especially these larger ones, to have an impact on power prices wholesale.
> — Shon Hiatt, associate professor at the University of Southern California

### Sources
- [This bill would make data centers pay their own way for power – Deseret News](https://www.deseret.com/environment/2026/10/22/utah-leaders-create-this-bill-in-wake-of-data-center-backlash) - Deseret News