Meta has said its data centres do not pass energy or grid infrastructure costs to consumers, as the company sought to frame its expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure as a net benefit to the American economy.
The company said it pays hundreds of millions of dollars each year to support grid projects in regions where it operates and works with utilities to plan capacity needs years in advance.
Meta said it also funds new and upgraded grid infrastructure without affecting the costs borne by other customers, and that this principle would remain central to its operations as its data centre footprint grows.
The company, which said it has built and operated data centres for 15 years, described its approach as organised around four priorities: responsible energy use, jobs and workforce development, minimising environmental impact, and supporting local communities, schools and nonprofits.
Meta acknowledged that data centres consume substantial energy but said the company absorbs those costs directly.
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The company also said it commits to supporting grid reliability during emergencies and periods of heightened demand, working alongside utilities and grid operators.
The statement positions Meta's infrastructure investment as a contribution to American economic productivity and scientific research, at a time when the energy demands of AI data centres are attracting increasing public and regulatory attention.
The recap
- Meta outlines data centres' roles in energy, jobs and communities
- Meta has built and operated data centres for 15 years
- Company will maintain the principle as its infrastructure grows
