Curtis warns AI data centers will strain grids; urges faster permitting and nuclear expansion

Sen. John Curtis told the Hinckley audience that artificial intelligence and its data centers will dramatically increase electricity demand and that Utah must plan to supply that energy without harming consumers. "A very small AI facility might use a gig of energy," he said, adding that "the state of Wyoming uses a gig of energy to run the whole entire state, and that's 1 small data center."

Curtis said some data centers are building on-site power sources but warned that utility competition from deep-pocketed tech companies could raise rates for ordinary consumers. He argued for protective measures so "the original sources of energy that you all paid for ... are for you to keep your energy prices low."

On supply and permitting, Curtis urged quicker, more predictable federal permitting and criticized prior administrations for stopping projects late in development. He said duplicative regulation increased costs on projects such as the I-15 widening and called for policies that speed projects without compromising environmental standards.

Urging a broad energy mix, Curtis promoted nuclear, geothermal and other sources. He noted U.S. dependency on foreign uranium processing and advocated incentives for domestic mining and processing to secure supply chains and national energy independence.