Tomorrow, the Trump administration is expected to launch an unprecedented policy—the "Emergency Power Auction" plan, requiring large tech companies to bear the costs of new power generation facilities. This move is seen as a key step in addressing the electricity shortages caused by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data centers.

It is reported that the goal of the plan is to facilitate approximately $15 billion in new power generation projects, with the United States' largest regional grid operator PJM also participating in leading the implementation. The White House believes that without strong intervention, the AI industry's consumption of energy will further drive up electricity costs for residents and businesses, ultimately dragging down the overall economy.

The pressure on energy prices has already become evident. The latest data shows that the average retail electricity price in the US in September increased by 7.4% year-on-year, reaching a record high of 18.07 cents per kilowatt-hour. Electricity bills for residents in many areas have significantly increased, sparking widespread concerns about data center "power grabbing."

Trump publicly stated this week that he would never allow ordinary Americans to pay for the computing power expansion of tech giants, saying, "The development of data centers should not come at the expense of soaring household electricity bills." This stance is seen as an early move to lay out plans for next year's midterm elections, aiming to gain voter support by stabilizing living expenses.

As the AI race continues to heat up, power supply has become one of the core bottlenecks of the US economy. Who will pay for the new power infrastructure, and how to balance innovation with people's livelihoods, are becoming the hottest topics in Washington. It is foreseeable that energy policy is likely to replace inflation and employment as the focus of the next phase of market and political battles.