Marketplace Morning Report Microsoft agrees to foot AI data center costs
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Jan 14, 2026 Nova Saffo, a Marketplace reporter focused on business and technology, discusses Microsoft's commitment to covering extra electricity costs for its AI data centers, addressing community fears about rising bills. Andrew Campbell, Executive Director at the Energy Institute at Berkeley, weighs in on the implications of U.S. control over Venezuelan oil. He explains the complexities of Venezuela's oil market and the limited immediate effects on U.S. gas prices, while outlining the significant reforms needed for the country to attract foreign investment.
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Microsoft Covers Data Center Energy And Water Costs
- Microsoft will pay the full cost of electricity for its AI data centers to avoid raising local residents' bills.
- The company also pledged to replenish more water than its data centers consume to address local resource concerns.
Community Backlash Has Real Project Costs
- Public backlash has delayed or canceled tens of billions in data center projects.
- Local concerns center on rising electricity prices and heavy water use for cooling, creating fierce town-hall opposition.
Town Halls Reflect Local Electricity Fears
- Chris Borick noted town-hall anger in Pennsylvania mirrors national concerns about electricity prices.
- Residents directly connect data center demand to their personal bill increases, fueling opposition.