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Wright: data centers aren’t the main driver of rising power prices; communities should negotiate benefits
Summary
Energy Secretary Chris Wright disputed claims that data centers are the primary cause of rising electricity prices and urged communities to negotiate infrastructure and tax benefits rather than reflexively rejecting projects.
Wright told the host that attributing higher electricity prices to data centers is "just false," noting that some states with rapid growth in electricity demand driven in part by data centers have seen energy prices that have risen less than inflation or even declined in nominal terms. "Data centers are the best tool we have to help first stop the rise of electricity prices," he said.
The host had noted concerns about local water consumption and suggested communities can bargain for upgrades and payments to offset impacts; Wright responded that municipalities negotiating with potential data‑center developers can secure tax revenue and infrastructure investments, calling the process an "opportunity for a negotiation, not a threat."
