Data Center Power Costs Spark $173M Negative Ad Blitz in US Midterms

Candidates in four key states spent $95 million on advertisements targeting the energy requirements of the artificial intelligence boom, contributing to a total of $173 million in negative ads about data centers during this year's general election, according to AdImpact. The campaign surge follows a nationwide rise in residential electricity prices of more than 10% since 2024, with some areas like Ohio seeing bills jump more than 20% over two years. Utility companies are seeking $31 billion in rate increases this year to help fund approximately $1.3 trillion in infrastructure spending planned through 2031.