Among the recommendations in the framework is that “ratepayers should not foot the bill for data centers.” To accomplish this, the framework suggests Congress should streamline permitting so that data centers can generate power on-site.  

This could present a new opportunity for HVAC contractors: The demand for large-scale cooling for power generation could result in a surge of new business that extends beyond simply installing cooling systems for servers. 

“The U.S. is entering a new era of energy demand driven by AI, electrification, and economic expansion, and HVAC is no longer just a comfort category; it’s critical infrastructure,” said Nathan Walker, senior vice president of environmental business development, Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, in a written statement. 

A Ratepayer Protection Pledge signed by companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, and xAI is a cornerstone of this effort. The voluntary pledge requires companies to pay the full costs of electricity and infrastructure for their facilities to reduce higher energy bills. 

If successfully implemented, these efforts could curtail concerns over higher electric bills, especially in communities where data centers are causing surges in utility bills.  

Sean Robertson, vice president of advocacy with the Air-Conditioning Contractors of America Association (ACCA), said the expansion of data centers has resulted in “a lot of concern at the state level about electricity prices.” He said state legislators are seeking ways to soften the blow to consumers, but it could come at a cost to HVAC bottom lines. 

“Sometimes what that means is cuts to the utility efficiency program that contractors have come to depend on to support home upgrades,” he said. “At a time where legislatures are very concerned about consumers' electricity bills, they’re looking for anything they can do to reduce that cost.” 

For instance, lawmakers are considering cutting the Empower Maryland rebate program in Maryland by 90% over the next few years. In Massachusetts, the state House introduced a bill that would cut roughly $1 billion from the Mass Save program’s marketing and administrative budgets. The bill passed in the House and is with the Senate Ways and Means committee as of March 2. 

“I fear it’s a trend that we’ll see nationwide, so that’s a significant concern,” Robertson said. 

He said ACCA is encouraging legislators to take a broader look at how to reduce the impact on consumers, and is working with state and local allied contracting organizations to “identify and address those threats as they come up.” 

AI Incentives 

Aside from a boost in business and a break in bills, the AI framework may directly support HVAC companies adopting AI. The framework calls on Congress to provide AI resources to small businesses, “such as grants, tax incentives, and technical assistance programs” to support wider deployment of AI tools.  

This includes using non-regulatory methods to ensure existing education programs, workforce training, and support programs — including apprenticeships  — incorporate AI training. 

The AI framework is also addressing legislative actions, calling for a unified federal standard that would preempt state laws. That is good news for contractors working in multiple states or jurisdictions. 

“A patchwork of conflicting state laws would undermine American innovation and our ability to lead in the global AI race,” the White House said in a written statement. 

The White House indicated it will work with Congress “in the coming months” to turn its recommendations into legislation. However, whether any of these proposals are realized remains to be seen, given the current political climate. 

“[The House GOP] looks forward to working across the aisle to enact a national framework that unleashes the full potential of AI, cements the U.S. as the global leader, and provides important protections for American families,” said Speaker Mike Johnson in a joint statement with Majority Whip Steve Salise and GOP chairs of the Judiciary, Energy and Commerce and Science committees.