Powering Michigan's Future: Whitmer Wants AI Data Centers To Protect Ratepayers. Consumer Advocates Say Voluntary Promises Aren't Enough.

Powering Michigan's Future: Whitmer Wants AI Data Centers To Protect Ratepayers. Consumer Advocates Say Voluntary Promises Aren't Enough.

LANSING — As artificial intelligence companies race to build massive data centers across the country, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is drawing a line on one issue she says shouldn’t be negotiable: existing electric customers shouldn’t have to pay for the infrastructure needed to power them. Whitmer this week unveiled a Michigan Affordability and Responsible Growth Pledge, asking data center developers to voluntarily commit that Michigan familie…