OpenAI pitches data center power plants as a way to protect nearby areas

<figure> <img alt="Chat GPT logo on a graphic green background." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/STK155_OPEN_AI_4_CVirginia_A.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In <a href="https://openai.com/index/grid-protectors-program/">an announcement on Monday</a>, OpenAI says it will pilot its "Grid Protectors Program" at an upcoming data center in Effingham County, Georgia, where the company promises to free up to 1,000 megawatts of power during extreme weather or emergencies, enough to power air conditioners in around 700,000 homes.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The announcement comes as <a href="https://www.theverge.com/policy/1019152/data-centers-midterm-elections">opposition to data centers</a> spreads across the US, in response to massive projects that have begun development and construction, frequently with little or no input from local residents. In Utah, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/933687/utah-stratos-project-data-center-kevin-oleary">residents protested</a> after Box Elder County commissioners signed off on a data center expected to consume more than double …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1024604/openai-data-center-grid-protection-program">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>