Still To Be Determined 287: AI’s Impact on our Electric Bills
Dec 3, 2025
Explore how AI is driving up electric bills due to the immense energy demands of data centers. Discover the hidden costs behind the AI boom and the challenges of recycling materials like packaging. Learn about potential solutions, such as integrating renewables at data centers and technical workarounds for homeowners. The hosts also discuss whether utilities are effectively coordinating with tech companies to mitigate these impacts, as well as intriguing international cases like Ireland's rising residential costs.
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AI On Everything — Even A Water Bottle
- Matt recounts seeing AI added to trivial products at CES, like a water bottle, as an example of overuse.
- He found those integrations unnecessary and felt exasperated by indiscriminate AI additions.
AI Data Centers Raise Power Demand
- Data centers built for AI are materially increasing electricity demand and pushing up consumer rates.
- This cost pressure comes from rapid buildout and greater grid draw without aligned policy or coordination.
Push For Coordinated Policy And Home Solutions
- Encourage government, utilities, and companies to create cost-sharing policies and coordination frameworks.
- Support household-level measures like solar and storage to reduce personal exposure to rising rates.