One thing that concerns me, about this "AI boom" is companies trying to get in on the "boom", even though it is outside their core competence. I got burned when CMS Energy, here in Michigan, wanted to emulate Enron, by having an energy trading desk. Turned out that, like Enron, CMS' operation was a fraud.

Now, DTE, the electric utility here in metro Detroit, wants to get in on the "AI boom", by building a huge data center near Ann Arbor, for which, DTE would provide all the power. Even though DTE is a regulated utility, they want to push ahead with the data center without any public hearings. Not surprisingly, the company's ambitions are setting off a lot of alarm bells around here.

Ann Arbor residents demand answers as DTE races to approve massive data center
DTE Energy would power 100% of the project’s campus, a joint endeavor involving OpenAI and Oracle

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – DTE Energy is trying to fast-track approval for a massive new data center outside Ann Arbor, backed by billionaire Stephen Ross, Oracle, and the makers of ChatGPT.

The company wants to skip public hearings, claiming the project could lower customer bills even though it would use enough energy to power more than a million homes.

A DTE Energy spokesperson said there won’t be additional costs to customers and that service will be more reliable.

Smigielski called that optimistic, noting data centers built in other states have led to electricity bills doubling, increasing energy burdens.

clickondetroit.com - Ann arbor residents demand answers as dte races to approve massive data center

So, if the "AI" bubble pops, will the data center become a failed white elephant, with the DTE ratepayers picking up the cost?

Steve