OpenAI has announced new commitments aimed at addressing concerns over the growing electricity and infrastructure demands of artificial intelligence data centres in the United States.
In a policy framework published on November 5, the company said every future computing campus it owns and operates would have a local agreement outlining its responsibilities to surrounding communities.
The commitments include paying the full cost of electricity consumed by its facilities and the infrastructure required to serve them.
OpenAI also pledged to provide financial assurances to protect other electricity customers in cases where projects are delayed, reduced or cancelled.
The company said it would publish information on electricity and water consumption, prioritise water-efficient cooling systems and provide updates on noise levels and employment opportunities associated with its facilities.
The announcement comes amid growing debate over the impact of data centres on electricity demand, utility bills and local resources as technology companies expand their artificial intelligence operations.
OpenAI said communities hosting its infrastructure should have a greater role in decisions affecting their neighbourhoods and should benefit from the jobs and investment created by the projects.
The commitments form part of a wider effort to address public concerns about the physical infrastructure required to support increasingly powerful AI systems.
