County with 37 Data Centers Asks Schools to 'Conserve Electricity' • Hacker News Board

Re: County with 37 Data Centers Asks Schools to 'Conserve Electricity'

#11

Post by cmiles8 » Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 4:24 PM UTC

arjie wrote: post #8

Interestingly, San Francisco has built no more of these AI datacenters and has seen a rate hike larger than that over the last few years. If we could at least get a few more datacenters that would be nice considering the rate hikes approved here.

Well I think the problem there is called “welcome to California.”

Re: County with 37 Data Centers Asks Schools to 'Conserve Electricity'

#12

Post by rho138 » Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 4:26 PM UTC

rdtsc wrote: post #10

The ~spice~ inference must flow. Some of the data centers now run disconnected on gas turbines 24/7, which is better for electricity prices but they can be big nuisance for people living nearby.

In more ways than one: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/13/elon-mus...

Re: County with 37 Data Centers Asks Schools to 'Conserve Electricity'

#13

Post by burnte » Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 4:29 PM UTC

scottndecker wrote: post #5

If everyone turned off their lights 100% of the time they left their workstation, they could power those additional data centers for about one second.

Billionaries are willing to have us make that sacrifice!

Re: County with 37 Data Centers Asks Schools to 'Conserve Electricity'

#14

Post by skeeter2020 » Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 4:31 PM UTC

scottndecker wrote: post #5

If everyone turned off their lights 100% of the time they left their workstation, they could power those additional data centers for about one second.

not to mention you'll get much farther, faster & easier with timers on the lights than some sort of 100% voluntary participation dream.

Re: County with 37 Data Centers Asks Schools to 'Conserve Electricity'

#15

Post by gedy » Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 4:31 PM UTC

jeffbee wrote: post #4

Virginia (Dominion) electric rates went up dramatically, and are now in the same rough price band as 29 other states, because they were well below average. Important context, in my humble opinion.

We can't leave money on the table for all those below average prices - so let's raise them all to the average... oh wait

Re: County with 37 Data Centers Asks Schools to 'Conserve Electricity'

#16

Post by Quinner » Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 4:31 PM UTC

arjie wrote: post #8

Interestingly, San Francisco has built no more of these AI datacenters and has seen a rate hike larger than that over the last few years. If we could at least get a few more datacenters that would be nice considering the rate hikes approved here.

That's because San Francisco subsidizes the rest of the state, PG&E is a state-wide utility. San Francisco is attempting to run its own utility, but is meeting resistance from PG&E and the parts of the state SF subsidizes.

Re: County with 37 Data Centers Asks Schools to 'Conserve Electricity'

#17

Post by malshe » Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 4:35 PM UTC

arjie wrote: post #8

Interestingly, San Francisco has built no more of these AI datacenters and has seen a rate hike larger than that over the last few years. If we could at least get a few more datacenters that would be nice considering the rate hikes approved here.

I love California and occasionally think about moving there. But the cost of living considerations bring me back to reality. Despite all its problems, it's difficult to leave Texas due to the low cost of living (and HEB!)

Re: County with 37 Data Centers Asks Schools to 'Conserve Electricity'

#18

Post by gadflyinyoureye » Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 4:35 PM UTC

cmiles8 wrote: post #9

Do we scale back AI slop for a few days or pull power back from schools? Easy, kids can suffer, give them some ice water. The AI bubble can’t pop soon enough.

Maybe it would help remove useless and harmful tech from schools. Books don't need batteries.

Re: County with 37 Data Centers Asks Schools to 'Conserve Electricity'

#19

Post by emsign » Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 4:35 PM UTC

scottndecker wrote: post #5

If everyone turned off their lights 100% of the time they left their workstation, they could power those additional data centers for about one second.

"Who needs public schools anyway? I pay my kid's teachers salary directly."

Re: County with 37 Data Centers Asks Schools to 'Conserve Electricity'

#20

Post by zamadatix » Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 4:36 PM UTC

I think the issues are exacerbated by the US going from "regular growth in electricity generation" for decades to "dead flat" for the last ~2 decades. I think we're finding generation isn't just a switch you turn on and reap the benefits of overnight if it's not what you were already planning on doing https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e...

Part of solving that may be in what the article touches on - how to get the generation built before the DC shows up rather than as a promise after.