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[rf...@sonic.net]

"Data centers for AI could nearly triple San Jose’s energy use. Who foots the bill?"*

“San Jose, the symbolic capital of Silicon Valley, is now ground zero in California’s battle over how to govern the rise of data centers used to power artificial intelligence.  The county seat of Santa Clara is touting its partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric, claiming the city is “the West Coast’s premier destination for data center development.” The investor-owned utility now estimates it has enough capacity in its planning pipeline to push the city’s electricity use to almost three times its current peak.  Those plans are forcing major grid upgrades, PG&E and city officials say, while raising questions about who pays for them and whether the state can keep the power clean. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle. (paywalled)

*Likely a rhetorical question.