OpenAI says its data centers will pay for their own energy and limit water usage | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAICESHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.Hamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessSee all techGadgetsExpandLaptopsPhonesTVsHeadphonesSpeakersWearablesSee all gadgetsReviewsExpandSmart Home ReviewsPhone ReviewsTablet ReviewsHeadphone ReviewsSee all reviewsAIExpandOpenAIAnthropicSee all AIVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee all shoppingPolicyExpandAntitrustPoliticsLawSecuritySee all policyScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthSee all scienceEntertainmentExpandTV ShowsMoviesAudioSee all entertainmentGamingExpandXboxPlayStationNintendoSee all gamingStreamingExpandDisneyHBONetflixYouTubeCreatorsSee all streamingTransportationExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersSee all transportationFeaturesVerge VideoExpandTikTokYouTubeInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersExpandThe Verge DailyInstallerVerge DealsNotepadOptimizerRegulatorThe StepbackArchivesStoreSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.OpenAI says its data centers will pay for their own energy and limit water usageComments DrawerCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...NewsCloseNewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All NewsAICloseAIPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All AIScienceCloseSciencePosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ScienceOpenAI says its data centers will pay for their own energy and limit water usage‘We’re being good neighbors,’ the ChatGPT maker said. ‘We’re being good neighbors,’ the ChatGPT maker said. by Robert HartCloseRobert HartAI ReporterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Robert HartJan 21, 2026, 10:58 AM UTCLinkShareGiftImage: The VergeRobert HartCloseRobert HartPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Robert Hart is a London-based reporter at The Verge covering all things AI and Senior Tarbell Fellow. Previously, he wrote about health, science and tech for Forbes.OpenAI says it will minimize water use and pay for energy infrastructure upgrades needed to power its data centers. “We’re being good neighbors,” the company said, directly addressing the growing opposition to AI projects amid rising utility bills.“We commit to paying our own way on energy, so that our operations don’t increase your electricity prices,” OpenAI said. The company promised to work with local communities to minimize the impact of its Stargate data centers. OpenAI was not specific but said plans could involve securing its own energy supplies or paying for local grid upgrades.OpenAI also highlighted the vast amounts of water — often potable — used to cool data centers, a concern that drives opposition to projects. Impact could be minimized by “innovations in cooling water systems” and AI design, the company said.OpenAI’s announcement comes on the heels of a similar community pledge from Microsoft designed to address mounting frustration on the ground in communities around data centers. 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OpenAI has announced a significant shift in its operational strategy, specifically addressing growing community concerns regarding the environmental and economic impact of its expansive data center infrastructure. The company’s response, articulated directly to the public, centers on a commitment to independently funding its energy needs and actively mitigating the strain on local utility grids. This proactive stance represents a direct attempt to counter mounting opposition to AI development, fueled largely by anxieties about escalating utility costs and the substantial water consumption inherent in data center cooling systems.

The core of OpenAI’s announcement revolves around securing its own energy resources and investing in necessary upgrades to local grid infrastructure. Rather than relying solely on the public utility systems, OpenAI intends to shoulder the full financial burden of powering its Stargate data centers. This includes the implementation of strategies to diversify energy sourcing, though precise details regarding the specific mechanisms remain undisclosed. Proposals outlined include obtaining independent energy supplies or facilitating localized grid enhancements, contingent upon collaboration with the affected local communities. The company acknowledges the rising tensions surrounding data center operations and recognizes the potential disruption they can cause to local economies and resources.

A critical component of the response addresses the substantial water usage associated with data center cooling. Data centers require immense amounts of water, frequently potable, to maintain optimal operating temperatures for their computational hardware. This practice has become a focal point of criticism, particularly in regions grappling with water scarcity. OpenAI expresses its commitment to minimizing this impact through the adoption of “innovations in cooling water systems” alongside AI design strategies. The company intends to leverage AI’s capabilities to optimize cooling processes, reduce water requirements, and potentially explore alternative cooling technologies. While the precise implementation plan is vague at this juncture, the commitment towards significantly reducing water consumption is a central theme.

This announcement follows a comparable pledge from Microsoft, further emphasizing the escalating concern within the tech industry. This trend reflects a broader recognition that the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure is creating considerable friction with local communities. The pushback has, in some cases, led to project cancellations or substantial alterations in plans. OpenAI’s deliberate communication of its strategy underscores a calculated effort to reassure communities and preempt further opposition. The company appears to be viewing this as more than simply a public relations exercise; it’s a strategic move to ensure the continued viability of its AI development endeavors. The ongoing discussions and adjustments within the tech industry highlight a fundamental shift in the relationship between large technology companies and the communities where they operate, reflecting a growing demand for accountability and sustainability in the age of artificial intelligence.