Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

SamuelTheThird

(1,352 posts)
Wed Jun 3, 2026, 05:38 PM Wednesday

EU wants households to cut peak time energy use as demand from industry and AI soars

https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-households-electricity-energy-artificial-intelligence-ai/

The European Commission wants households to use less energy at peak times to reduce bills and take pressure off the grid, in preparation for an explosion of power demand from artificial intelligence data centers and electrification of the economy.

The EU executive said Wednesday it will propose a new law later this year to accelerate the roll out of AI-powered smart meters, which give consumers "greater control over when they use electricity, allowing them to shift consumption to cheaper hours and lower their bills."

The hope is this will prompt households to cut their electricity use at evening hours when demand is highest, keeping prices lower and leaving more power available for industry, transport and energy-hungry computers that perform advanced AI functions.
---
As previously reported by POLITICO, the Commission backtracked on an earlier plan to impose mandatory energy-efficiency standards on data centers by 2030.
1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
EU wants households to cut peak time energy use as demand from industry and AI soars (Original Post) SamuelTheThird Wednesday OP
Perhaps AI center electric use should be restricted to only non-peak hours? RockCreek Wednesday #1

RockCreek

(1,535 posts)
1. Perhaps AI center electric use should be restricted to only non-peak hours?
Wed Jun 3, 2026, 05:45 PM
Wednesday

And have a triple peak price rate imposed at all times.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»EU wants households to cu...