Over the past few months, my SDG&E bill has skyrocketed by more than 50%, and yet, my personal energy and gas consumption remain unchanged. Like many residents in San Diego, I’ve been left wondering why our bills are soaring despite no increase in our usage. The answer, I’ve discovered, lies in the enormous energy and water demands of corporations’ data centers – costs that are unfairly passed on to ordinary consumers like us.

Data centers are essential for the digital operations of corporations, from streaming services to cloud storage. However, these facilities consume vast amounts of energy and water. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers account for about 2% of the total electricity use in the United States. Furthermore, cooling these centers often requires millions of gallons of water annually. This resource strain doesn’t just affect our environment; it impacts the wallets of citizens who unwittingly subsidize these corporate giants through higher utility rates.

It’s time for a change. If corporations like Google, Amazon, and Facebook require such facilities for their profitable operations, they should bear the cost without burdening residents with rising utility expenses. By holding these corporations accountable, not only can we implement fairer billing practices, but we can drive energy efficiency and responsibility in corporate operations.

We urge SDG&E along with San Diego City Council and relevant regulatory bodies to introduce policies that require these corporations to pay their fair share. These policies should mandate that corporations cover the complete cost of energy and water used by their data centers, ensuring that the local community is no longer financially impacted by corporate practices.

By signing this petition, you’re standing up for fair utility pricing, environmental responsibility, and economic justice for the residents of San Diego. Together, we can demand corporate accountability and ensure that the cost of business doesn’t unfairly rest on the shoulders of the community. Please join me in this endeavor and sign the petition to make a meaningful change.