Microsoft has outlined a five-point plan to ensure its massive data center expansion does not lead to higher energy costs for American households. The company’s strategy, shared on Tuesday, aims to balance its growing need for power to support AI development with the responsibility to protect local communities from rising utility bills. Data centers are critical for running AI models, but their energy demands have placed increasing pressure on the U.S. power grid. In at least 13 states, data center growth has already contributed to higher electricity rates, according to reports by Business Insider. Microsoft’s plan includes several key commitments: first, urging utility companies and state regulatory commissions to set electricity rates high enough to cover the full cost of powering its data centers. This approach is designed to prevent the burden from being passed on to residential customers. The company also pledged to minimize water usage at its facilities and to replenish more water than it withdraws, addressing environmental concerns tied to cooling systems. Additionally, Microsoft plans to create data center jobs for local residents, supporting economic development in the communities where its facilities are built. The tech giant will pay its “full share” of local property taxes for each data center, ensuring that communities receive fair compensation for hosting the infrastructure. Finally, Microsoft will invest in AI training programs for local workers, helping to build a skilled workforce that can benefit from the region’s growing tech economy. The announcement comes on the heels of a post by former President Donald Trump on Truth Social, in which he called on tech companies to “pay their own way” and avoid shifting energy costs onto American families. He specifically mentioned Microsoft as the “first up,” hinting that other companies may follow with similar commitments. As AI continues to drive demand for computing power, Microsoft’s approach reflects a growing industry focus on sustainability, fairness, and long-term community impact.