To the editor: An obvious solution to the problem of explosive electricity usage by AI data centers would be to require them to be covered with solar panels and have battery banks so they could be at least partially self-sufficient.
This would cut into the utilities' infrastructure profit bonanza, but would go a long way toward helping the state meet its renewable energy goals. It would also protect domestic consumers from being ripped off to maintain utility profits.
Given recent decisions by the California Public Utilities Commission that have restricted solar power for homes and small businesses, it seems clear that the state’s energy policy is to keep power generation centralized and ensure that private utilities can make huge profits by building out infrastructure to meet the massive demand from data centers.
Utilities can pass on the cost of all this infrastructure, with the aggregate profits, to individual ratepayers.
Alex Murray, Altadena
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To the editor: Your excellent article exposes the complete folly of society's insatiable thirst for more electricity.
Do we really need AI? We should at least put a limit on its energy demand, otherwise the world will always be “chasing” ways to meet ever-increasing electricity consumption. This will put a clean energy future completely out of reach.
The same goes for cryptocurrency mining, which should also be exposed for its voracious energy consumption and lack of value contribution to society.
Mike Sovich, Glendale
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To the editor: It was hard to avoid the irony of the Aug. 31 print edition's cover featuring a story about energy burdens created by AI above another story about trying to keep California workers cool in our increasingly warm environment.
California leaders appear eager to accommodate Silicon Valley's needs while delaying enforcement of workplace cooling regulations.
Our state leaders seem to care more about the profits of billionaires than the needs of working people.
Scott Herbertson, Burbank
