OpenAI sets data center policy framework, asks developers to cover grid costs

OpenAI has laid out a data center policy framework for local, state and federal officials that would require large electricity customers to cover the grid costs they add and protect other ratepayers if a project falls through. It would also let utilities throttle power to data centers at peak demand and require public reporting on water use, energy, noise and potential jobs, while narrowing the use of nondisclosure agreements with officials.

Two days after voters signaled concerns about rapid AI expansion, OpenAI published a set of commitments on Thursday, reaffirming that it will cover the full power costs of its own data centers, according to cnBeta. The company also pledged community input and public construction plans for those sites, an end to nondisclosure agreements with public officials, and asked policymakers to codify similar rules into law.

According to Bloomberg, OpenAI has pledged to change how it handles data center deals, saying it will avoid nondisclosure agreements in negotiations and ensure local residents do not pay for the electricity those facilities consume. The commitment came after Democratic wins in the midterm elections.

OpenAI has pledged to gather community input on its AI data centers, publish construction plans and cover power costs to protect ratepayers, CNBC reported. The commitment follows an election in which AI's electricity demand became a focal concern.

After public backlash, OpenAI said it will avoid nondisclosure agreements in data center negotiations and ensure local residents do not pay for the electricity powering those projects, Bloomberg reports. The company says the framework should be written into laws governing AI expansion.