Tech Giants Sign Ratepayer Protection Pledge

Pledge commits companies to cover costs of new energy infrastructure for data centers

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Seven major technology companies, including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, OpenAI and xAI, have signed a 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' committing to pay for the electricity generation and grid infrastructure needed to power new artificial intelligence data centers rather than shifting those costs onto residential utility customers.

Why it matters

The pledge reflects a broader shift as large tech companies invest heavily in electricity generation and grid infrastructure to power their growing data center operations. This private investment in new carbon-free electricity is reshaping America's energy landscape, but concerns remain about how these projects could impact electricity costs for regular ratepayers.

The details

According to Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) CEO Rich Powell, the pledge formalizes a commitment that is already significantly underway. The participating companies have already built large portfolios of energy projects to support their operations, including Amazon's 700+ energy projects delivering over 40 gigawatts of capacity, Google's 22+ gigawatts of clean energy added globally, and Meta's plans to procure 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2035. However, outdated permitting rules remain a key barrier to building new electricity generation and transmission infrastructure at the pace required.

  • The Ratepayer Protection Pledge was signed by the tech companies at the White House on March 5, 2026.
  • Corporate energy buyers procured record levels of carbon emissions-free energy in 2024 and 2025, with CEBA members driving the majority of those deals.

The players

Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA)

A non-profit organization that represents large energy buyers and advocates for policies to expand access to renewable energy.

Rich Powell

CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers Association.

Amazon

One of the seven tech companies that signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, with over 700 energy projects delivering 40+ gigawatts of capacity.

Google

One of the seven tech companies that signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, having added 22+ gigawatts of clean energy to grids globally over the past decade.

Meta

One of the seven tech companies that signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, planning to procure 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2035.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Seven of the nation's largest technology companies signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the White House on March 5, committing to 'build, bring, or buy new generation resources and cover the cost of all power delivery infrastructure upgrades' their data centers require — and to ensure those costs aren't passed on to American households.”

— Rich Powell, CEO, Clean Energy Buyers Association

“While this pledge marks a historic step toward combatting rising electricity prices, it's important to note that these companies have been actively taking action and contributing to the costs of running our electricity grid for years.”

— Rich Powell, CEO, Clean Energy Buyers Association

“The president provided an unenforceable corporate commitment that has no details.”

— Ari Peskoe, Director, Harvard Electricity Law Initiative

What’s next

Policymakers at every level will need to clear the path and end the politicization of permits to allow the unprecedented wave of private investment in new electricity generation and transmission infrastructure to reach communities that need it most.

The takeaway

While the Ratepayer Protection Pledge represents a significant commitment from major tech companies to invest in the energy infrastructure needed to power their growing data center operations, concerns remain about the lack of enforcement mechanisms and the potential impact on regular utility customers. Overcoming permitting challenges will be crucial to realizing the full benefits of this private investment in America's energy future.