AI Boom Faces Electric Shock
US artificial intelligence expansion confronts major electricity supply constraints as power demand from data centers strains grid capacity
Michael McDermott, Business Manager
Articles from IBEW News
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Biz Mgr Sapienza : A Needed Win for Both Electrical Workers and Ratepayers
Maine IBEW business manager argues recent policy changes benefit both electrical workers and electricity ratepayers across the state
Politicians Retreat on AI Amidst Signs of Rising Backlash
2028 Democratic contenders who backed data centers with tax breaks are suddenly retreating amid growing voter revolt over electricity costs and community impacts
Evaluating the Jobs Impact
IBEW Local 648 says data centers could bring 800-1,200 construction jobs, but researchers warn facilities are capital-intensive while creating few permanent positions despite massive tax breaks
Centers Seek Credit Ratings to Unlock Billions for AI Push
Data center landlords securing top credit ratings for asset-backed securities to unlock billions in financing, with Compass Datacenters achieving first-ever Aaa rating from Moody's
The Early Contours of An Evolving Political Battle
Nearly half of Americans expect data centers to become a campaign issue within five years, with top concerns centered on electricity bill increases and blackout risks, new Politico poll finds
Local Celebrates Member Service Awards
IBEW Local 1439 honored Stephen Lindewirth for five years of service and Treasurer Ray Rose for 35 years during recent ceremony with President Chad Fletcher
Shipyard Workers Blown Away by Locals' Kindness During Shutdown
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard IBEW Local 2071 members each received $1,000 from Second District locals during six-week government shutdown, rewarding those who rejoined after executive order ended dues deductions
QTS Seeks $2B Refinance for 3 Data Center Campuses
Blackstone owned QTS Data Centers is pursuing a $2 billion Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities refinancing deal covering three campuses in Atlanta, Chicago, and Northern Virginia, the latest in a series of major capital market moves fueled by surging AI driven demand for data center infrastructure.
Claims That AI Can Help Fix Climate Dismissed As Greenwashing
A new independent report analyzing 154 statements from major tech companies and the IEA found no verified examples of generative AI tools, including Google's Gemini and Microsoft's Copilot, delivering measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers say companies are deliberately conflating energy-efficient traditional machine learning with the far more power-hungry generative AI to mislead the public about the technology's climate impact.