Trump Calls for Tech Companies to Supply Own Power for Data Centers

President says move would prevent electricity price hikes for local communities

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump announced that tech companies will be required to provide their own power supply for data centers, rather than relying on local electricity grids. Trump said this would prevent electricity prices from rising for surrounding communities. The plans for an AI data center on the site of the former Cheswick Power Station in Springdale, Pennsylvania are still being developed, but the president's announcement has raised both optimism and concerns among local residents and environmental groups.

Why it matters

Trump's proposal aims to shift the burden of powering data centers away from local communities and onto the tech companies themselves. This could help prevent electricity price hikes, but environmental groups are cautious, emphasizing the need for enforceable rules to ensure companies follow through on providing their own power.

The details

In his State of the Union address, President Trump said tech companies will be "obligated to provide for their own power needs" by building their own power plants as part of data center projects. The goal is to prevent electricity prices from rising for local communities. Plans are still in the works for an AI data center on the site of the former Cheswick Power Station in Springdale, Pennsylvania, which received a conditional use permit last month. A consultant for the developer, Allegheny DC Property Company, supports Trump's initiative, saying investments in AI infrastructure are in the country's economic and security interests. However, local residents like Barb Szalai remain concerned about potential impacts on the community, including air, water, and noise pollution, as well as property values.

  • President Trump announced the new policy during his 2026 State of the Union address.
  • Last month, Springdale Borough Council granted a conditional use permit for the AI data center project.

The players

President Donald Trump

The former president who announced the new policy requiring tech companies to supply their own power for data centers.

Allegheny DC Property Company

The developer that received a conditional use permit to build an AI data center on the site of the former Cheswick Power Station in Springdale, Pennsylvania.

Tom Schuster

The director of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, who expressed cautious optimism about Trump's announcement but emphasized the need for enforceable rules.

Brian Regli

A consultant for Allegheny DC Property Company who supports Trump's initiative, saying investments in AI infrastructure are in the country's economic and security interests.

Barb Szalai

A Springdale resident who is concerned about the potential impacts of the data center project on the community, including pollution and property values.

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What they’re saying

“We're telling the major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs. They can build their own power plants as part of their factory so that no one's prices will go up. And in many cases, prices of electricity will go down for the community.”

— President Donald Trump (State of the Union Address)

“Intent is better than nothing. At the end of the day, there have to be rules that are enforced right.”

— Tom Schuster, Director, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter (wtae.com)

“President Trump, Governor Shapiro, and leaders in both parties are right - investments in AI and the infrastructure to power them are in the interests of our economy and our security. We are committed to building our project in a way that is a win for all stakeholders involved, and that includes a stable and affordable grid.”

— Brian Regli, Consultant, Allegheny DC Property Company (wtae.com)

“That makes it a little more palatable if it happens. You know, I don't know what the wheels of progress involve and who is involved in the decision-making. But if that would happen, I think it would be a positive thing out of the negative.”

— Barb Szalai, Springdale Resident (wtae.com)

What’s next

The Springdale Borough Manager stated that the developer has not yet submitted its land development plan, and more information will be available once it does.

The takeaway

President Trump's proposal to require tech companies to supply their own power for data centers aims to shift the burden away from local communities and prevent electricity price hikes. However, environmental groups caution that enforceable rules are needed to ensure companies follow through on this pledge, rather than relying solely on voluntary commitments.