Are data centers straining Michigan’s power grid? Ben Green weighs in

As Michigan lawmakers consider the growth of data centers across the state, University of Michigan School of Information assistant professor Ben Green is urging caution. 

During his testimony before the Michigan House Subcommittee on Oversight, Green highlighted  the significant energy demands of data centers that power artificial intelligence.  

"Data centers require incredible amounts of electricity, and this is straining the power grid in the regions where data centers are located," Green said. 

Since Michigan approved tax breaks for data center companies in 2024, the state has seen a surge in proposed projects in at least 11 counties. 

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Read “Michigan House subcommittee hears testimony on data centers” on CBS News. 

UMSI assistant professor Ben Green is an expert on AI, infrastructure and smart cities. Check out his UMSI faculty profile, and read more of his thoughts on AI data centers in Bridge Michigan and Fast Company, where he was also recently quoted.