Florida Representative Byron Donalds proposes policy to keep data centers off the public grid, advocating self-powered infrastructure.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) introduced the "Protecting Ratepayers Act," legislation that would require data center operators to source all energy and water independently from public utility systems. The bill marks Donalds' 27th introduction during the 119th Congress.

The measure mandates that entities building, owning, or operating data centers obtain all energy and water from alternative sources without using or interfering with the public electric grid or municipal water systems. It applies to both existing facilities and new data center developments nationwide.

According to the bill's background materials, data centers are projected to account for up to 9% of total U.S. electricity demand by 2030. Integrating these facilities into existing infrastructure requires utilities to modernize power grids and expand baseload power capacity—costs typically passed on to residential consumers through higher utility bills.

The legislation seeks to codify President Trump's Ratepayer Protection Pledge into federal law. Proponents argue the approach would allow continued technological and economic expansion while protecting consumers from bearing infrastructure costs.

"The next wave of technology and innovation shouldn't come at the expense of hardworking Americans," Donalds said in a statement. "Our outdated energy grid is already in desperate need of modernization and is not prepared to take on the power demands of data centers without impacting the wallets of our citizens. That is why I'm proud to introduce the Protecting Ratepayers Act, which requires all new and existing data centers to generate and use their own power and water. This common-sense approach will ease the burden on individuals and households everywhere without stifling our economic growth."