Data center developers donate millions to Ohio utility assistance program as national backlash grows

Five major data center companies—including Meta, Amazon, Google, QTS, and Softbank—donated a combined total of $18.5 million to Ohio's Neighbor to Neighbor program to help low-income residents cover utility bills. This infusion of funds comes as the public backlash against data centers grows, with voters increasingly concerned that AI computing is driving up energy costs in Ohio. Outside observers view these donations amid mounting calls for local moratoriums and a potential statewide ban on development.