Bill Gates warns Microsoft, Amazon, Google on data center push

Bill Gates has told the AI industry it does not have permission to drive up household electricity bills, warning Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft that the old utility-funded grid model is finished. Speaking on CNBC, the Microsoft co-founder said hyperscalers must now pick data centre sites where the economics and politics hold. With 48 projects worth $156 billion already blocked in 2025 and public opposition at record highs, the buildout is colliding with sentiment. Bill Gates has told the AI industry it does not have permission to drive up household electricity bills, warning Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft that the old utility-funded grid model is finished. Speaking on CNBC, the Microsoft co-founder said hyperscalers must now pick data centre sites where the economics and politics hold. With 48 projects worth $156 billion already blocked in 2025 and public opposition at record highs, the buildout is colliding with sentiment.