OpenAI makes new data center commitments and AI policy recommendations

OpenAI Group PBC today made a series of commitments designed to ensure that its data centers benefit the communities in which they are built.

It was also suggested that the legislature should make some of the obligations for companies in the field of artificial intelligence mandatory.

The move comes two days after Democrats won both the House and Senate with a campaign committed to curbing data center construction. Additionally, voters approved dozens of ballot measures aimed at scaling back or limiting AI infrastructure projects.

OpenAI today reiterated its commitment made in January to fully pay for the power and network upgrades required for its data centers. This includes, among other things, the construction of new overhead lines. Additionally, the company promised to provide “financial assurances” that will protect other network users from possible project cancellations and delays.

In addition, measures are being taken to reduce network load. In particular, the company will reduce the power consumption of its data centers during times of particularly high energy demand. This approach, known as the flexible data center model, also applies pulled the interest of other industry players such as Nvidia Corp. and Google LLC.

Some data center builders enter into non-disclosure agreements with local authorities to keep construction details secret. OpenAI today pledged not to use NDAs. Instead, it only seeks “close protection for legitimate security information, trade secrets or proprietary or competitively sensitive information.”

OpenAI will publicly disclose construction plans and noise forecasts before construction begins on a new facility. Additionally, information is provided on the jobs each data center is expected to create. The goal is to support local unions and training providers in preparing residents for the positions.

The company plans to tailor its commitments to each data center. The adjusted project conditions are published in a document called a local compact. Once construction begins, the company will provide annual updates and designate an on-site contact for questions from field residents.

OpenAI hopes to codify some of the best practices released today into law. A policy paper has been published calling on lawmakers to limit the use of NDAs by data center developers and require them to cover their electricity costs. In addition, it is argued that AI companies should be offered incentives to reduce their electricity consumption during times of peak network load.

Some of the best practices suggested by the ChatGPT developer are already being adopted by other players in the industry. For example, Google today pledged to fully cover the electricity costs of a new $17 billion data center to be built in Wyoming. In addition, associated network expansions will be financed. Anthropic PBC made a similar commitment in February.

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