The Rate Payer Protection Pledge Is a Pragmatic Path Forward, Says Center for Data Innovation

WASHINGTON—Following President Trump’s State of the Union announcement of a “Rate Payer Protection Pledge,” which calls on major tech companies to build their own power plants to support AI data centers, the Center for Data Innovation released the following statement from Senior Policy Manager Hodan Omaar:

The United States needs to build the energy infrastructure necessary to sustain a competitive AI economy. President Trump is right to work with the private sector to ensure data centers have the electricity they need to operate without shifting costs onto American households.

Rather than slowing down development or demonizing the facilities that will unleash a new wave of American innovation, the President is choosing a pragmatic path by developing voluntary commitments that ensure new electricity generation strengthens grid resilience and expands supply to meet growing demand.

This approach recognizes that innovation and affordability are not mutually exclusive. By encouraging the private sector to bring new generation and flexibility to the table, the administration can ensure that data centers act as a catalyst for a stronger grid.

Contact: Nicole Hinojosa, [email protected]