Maryland citizens slapped with $2 billion power grid upgrade bill for out-of-state AI data centers — state complains to federal energy regulators, says additional cost breaks ‘ratepayer protection pledge’ promises

The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel filed a complaint with FERC over PJM Interconnection's plan to charge Maryland $2 billion for grid upgrades to support out-of-state AI data centers. The state argues that this cost allocation unfairly burdens Maryland ratepayers, as the state's projected growth does not match other states hosting more data centers. Maryland suggests that infrastructure costs should be billed to where they're built or to the tech companies themselves, as per the "ratepayer protection pledge." The debate highlights tensions between AI hyperscalers and communities, with concerns over the impact of power-hungry data centers on lifestyles and quality of life.