arstechnica.com
In response to rising electricity rates, Microsoft is taking financial responsibility for its infrastructure. The tech giant will support utility rate structures that charge “Very Large Customers” like data centers for the full cost of their electricity usage, stating it is “unfair” to ask the public to subsidize AI power needs. Microsoft also aims to pay its full share of local property taxes without asking for reductions.
Environmentally, Microsoft plans to improve data center water-use intensity by 40% by 2030. To achieve this, they have deployed a new closed-loop cooling system in Georgia and Wisconsin that recirculates liquid and eliminates the need for potable water. These commitments are slated to be fully implemented by 2026.
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