OpenAI pledges to cover data centre power costs after voter backlash

OpenAI pledged Thursday to cover the full electricity costs of its data centres and adopt new community engagement rules, responding to widespread voter backlash against AI infrastructure expansion in the US. The announcement follows Tuesday's elections, where voters in 10 states rejected or opposed nearly all 41 data centre-related ballot measures, citing concerns over rising electricity bills and environmental impacts. OpenAI will seek public feedback, publish construction plans, and avoid non-disclosure agreements with public officials. The company has released a policy blueprint urging lawmakers to codify these commitments into law, aiming to set minimum industry standards. OpenAI previously targeted $600 billion in computing spending by 2030 and has worked on the proposal since August.