OpenAI proposes data-center rules on grid costs and disclosure

OpenAI has proposed a policy framework requiring data center developers to cover grid costs and publicly disclose water, energy, noise, and job data, aiming to ease community opposition. The plan was shared with POLITICO. The framework targets local, state, and federal officials, suggesting utilities throttle power to data centers during high demand and protect customers if projects fail. It also narrows nondisclosure agreement use, a source of community frustration, while mandating public reporting on facilities. OpenAI separately pledged to pay full energy costs, use water-efficient cooling, work with local unions, and fund community projects. The company previously rebranded data centers as "compute campuses" to address public backlash.