WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump and several major technology companies signed a “ratepayer protection pledge” Wednesday aimed at preventing American consumers from bearing rising electricity costs associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and data center development.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the agreement requires major tech firms developing AI to cover the electricity demand generated by their data centers rather than passing those costs on to households.

“Under the ratepayer protection pledge we’re signing today, the big tech companies are making five important commitments to keep utility prices down for American consumers,” he said.

He said companies pledged to “provide or pay for all power generation and electricity needed for their AI projects,” adding that they would also help expand grid capacity by financing or building new power stations where possible.

The president also framed the agreement as part of a broader strategy to maintain US technological leadership.

“The United States is leading the world in AI, by a lot. We’re leading China. We’re leading everybody by a lot,” he said.