Massive AI data centers could soon consume nearly as much electricity as New York City, according to a Times Union review of state grid data, fueling backlash across communities worried about rising utility bills and environmental damage.
One proposed Genesee County project alone would use 500 megawatts of power while receiving about $1.4 billion in tax breaks. Residents and some lawmakers argue the facilities create too few permanent jobs to justify the strain on the electric grid, water systems, and local infrastructure.
Gov. Kathy Hochul opposes a statewide moratorium on data centers, but state regulators are weighing new rules that could force large energy users to cover more of the costs tied to their massive power demands.
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