President Donald Trump is renewing calls for major technology companies to share the cost of expanding the United States’ power infrastructure in response to surging energy demands driven by artificial intelligence, according to recent remarks that have ignited fresh debate about tech industry responsibilities and energy policy.
In interviews and public statements, Trump argued that the rapid expansion of AI datacentres — many of which require substantial electricity — has placed an increasingly heavy burden on local and regional power grids. He suggested that technology giants benefiting from America’s open economic system should contribute directly to the construction of new power plants and grid upgrades to ensure reliable energy supplies without over-burdening taxpayers or existing ratepayers.
Trump’s proposal comes amid a period of accelerated developments in AI, where hyperscale datacentres and AI training facilities are being built across the country to support generative AI workloads, advanced analytics, and next-generation computing. These facilities are among the largest consumers of electricity in the business landscape, often necessitating dedicated grid enhancements or partnerships with utilities to meet demand.
“We can’t keep adding massive facilities and expect everyone else to pay when our grids are under strain,” Trump said in a statement. “These companies are making billions from AI. It’s simply fair that they help build the infrastructure necessary to power the future.”
Industry leaders have responded with caution. Executives from major technology firms acknowledged the importance of infrastructure investment, but argued that existing tax structures, property agreements, and utility partnerships already include significant contributions to local economies and power reliability efforts. They also pointed to ongoing investments in renewable energy sources, power purchase agreements, and efficiency initiatives as part of their long-term commitments to energy sustainability.
Energy analysts say Trump’s comments are likely to resonate in regions where grid capacity is stretched, particularly in states with high concentrations of datacentres such as Texas, Virginia and parts of the Midwest. However, they also emphasise the complexity of modern electricity markets, where multiple stakeholders — including utilities, regulators, independent power producers and large corporate customers — negotiate costs and investments through long-term contracts and regulatory frameworks.
Critics of the policy proposal argue that mandating direct payments from tech companies could distort investment decisions or slow the pace of innovation. Some economists suggest that charging technology firms for infrastructure costs might discourage future datacentre development or prompt companies to relocate operations internationally, potentially undermining U.S. competitiveness in AI and cloud computing sectors.
Further complicating the debate is the ongoing transition toward clean energy sources. A growing number of power plant projects now involve wind, solar, hydroelectric and other renewable technologies — all of which require different financing mechanisms compared with traditional fossil fuel plants. This raises questions about who should bear the cost of accelerating the clean energy transition at the same time that demand for electricity is rising.
Policy experts say a balance must be struck between encouraging private sector innovation and ensuring that public infrastructure — particularly critical grid assets — remains reliable and resilient. There may also be opportunities for public-private partnerships, targeted tax incentives, or regulatory reforms that spread investment responsibilities without discouraging corporate growth.
Trump’s comments are certain to add fuel to discussions among legislators, utility regulators and business leaders as the U.S. grapples with how to modernise its power systems in an era of rapid technological change.
