With inflation as it is, the last thing consumers need is higher electric bills.
That might just happen as technology companies consider building data centers in Michigan — “energy-hungry facilities that power artificial intelligence, movie streaming, web browsing, and other online tools,” writes Carol Thompson of The Detroit News.
Thompson writes:
Leaders of both DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, the state's two major regulated, investor-owned utilities, have told shareholders that multiple large data centers have expressed interest in building in Michigan. If built, those data centers would significantly increase demand for energy and lead the companies to build more electric sources, the company leaders said.
As utility leaders field inquiries from the tech sector, environmental groups and some ratepayers fear rapid data center development could send their electric bills skyrocketing and hamper the state's transition away from fossil fuels.
