Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, representing opposing political ideologies, have both expressed concerns regarding the artificial intelligence (AI) industry's rapid expansion, particularly its impact on electricity costs and grid stability. This bipartisan skepticism suggests a growing political awareness of the potential consequences of the AI sector's data center proliferation, especially as the 2026 mid-term elections approach.

Senator Sanders has advocated for a national moratorium on the construction of new data centers, emphasizing the need to reconsider the pace of this development. He has raised questions about the assurances provided by industry leaders regarding job security and healthcare, highlighting the potential socioeconomic ramifications of unchecked technological growth.

Governor DeSantis has introduced an AI bill of rights aimed at empowering local communities to block data center projects, which may conflict with the federal government's push for rapid AI advancement. He has pointed out the limitations of the current electrical grid, warning that the demand from data centers could lead to significant reliability issues. DeSantis has questioned whether residents would support the establishment of large data centers in their communities, suggesting that public sentiment may lean against such developments.

Both Vermont and Florida are not primary locations for data centers, yet the rising costs of electricity have become a significant issue in various political races, as evidenced by the recent electoral success of Democrat Abigail Spanberger in Virginia, a state heavily populated with data centers. Projections indicate that residential electricity prices could rise by an additional 4% on average nationwide in 2026, following a 5% increase in 2025, according to the Energy Information Administration.

The situation is particularly critical in the PJM Interconnection, which serves over 65 million people across 13 states. The grid is projected to fall short of its reliability requirements by six gigawatts by 2027, a shortfall comparable to the electricity demand of Philadelphia. This raises concerns about the frequency of blackouts, with analysts indicating that the current crisis is unprecedented for PJM.

The financial burden of securing power capacity in PJM has surged, with data centers contributing approximately $23 billion to these costs, which are ultimately passed on to consumers. This situation has been described as a significant wealth transfer, prompting calls for political accountability as the implications of rising energy costs become a focal point in upcoming elections.

Additionally, the recent decision to halt offshore wind farm projects, including a major initiative in Virginia, is expected to exacerbate the energy supply issues, further increasing electricity prices. As data centers face mounting opposition, regulatory bodies are beginning to require them to cover a larger share of the costs associated with new energy infrastructure.

In response to these challenges, data center developers may increasingly turn to onsite power generation, known as co-location, to secure energy supply. However, this approach raises ethical concerns about the potential for increased blackout risks for the broader community, as it could divert resources away from the public grid.