AI and Data Centers

Nevada is about to become home to the world’s largest data center. As the AI industry has exploded into the mainstream, here is what we have learned. One, these data centers often use a lot of water to cool their systems. Two, these data centers require vast amounts of energy. Three, there are communities ringing the alarm bells on the effect of these centers on their cities.

Here’s another thing we know. The PUCN (Public Utilities Commission of Nevada) recently allowed NV Energy’s new Daily Demand Charge to move forward. This new policy taking effect on April 1st, 2026 means that NV Energy customers will now get a new daily charge based on the top fifteen minute window of their energy usage that day, regardless of how little they may have used outside that period. Despite what NV Energy says, this will absolutely raise customers’ bills. 

Can it be a coincidence that new data centers are arriving at the same time that NV Energy is looking to raise our rates? Perhaps that is the case. However, I think it's safe to say that a lot of Nevadans are going to perceive this as price gouging normal people to pay for a brand new drain on our energy grid. AI regulation needs to be a part of the conversation during the 2027 legislative session, and you can count on me to advocate on behalf of Nevadans, not AI billionaires. 

Mack Protesting outside the Public Utilities Commission - 2025

I will continue to speak truth to power when it comes to energy bill hikes and AI Data Centers.