Opinion | How America Should Power the AI Revolution

Regarding Peter Earle’s op-ed “AI and the ‘Dangers of Electric Lighting’ ” (Sept. 24): Mr. Earle’s comparison of artificial intelligence to the early days of electrification raises an enduring question: How do we manage legitimate risks of new technologies without impeding their promise for prosperity and quality of life?

That question matters today as AI accelerates infrastructure build-out across domestic manufacturing sectors while boosting efficiency and optimization. Yet this progress runs on power—and a lot of it: Data centers could consume as much as 12% of the nation’s electricity by 2028, according to the Energy Department, up from 4.4% in 2023.

The answer should be risk-based policies that protect consumer safety and energy system reliability without one-size-fits-all prescriptions that become barriers to innovation. Transparent, consensus-based standards play an equally important role, giving companies common benchmarks while allowing technologies to evolve and improve.

That is the approach my organization is taking alongside ASHRAE and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory through the AI Data Center Energy Performance Framework, which brings together experts to guide the safe, reliable and efficient expansion of digital infrastructure.

The electroindustry already supports 2.35 million American jobs and contributes more than $375 billion to the U.S. economy annually. AI offers enormous opportunities for that workforce and the broader economy. But realizing them will require infrastructure and standards capable of keeping pace.

The lesson from electrification isn’t to fear transformative technology. It is to manage its risks intelligently while giving innovation room to serve.

Debra Phillips

President, CEO

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Arlington, Va.