Jesus, of course, didn’t have to worry about the effects of large AI data centers cutting through olive groves and wheat fields. Granted Jesus and his followers only had candles and oil lamps to light their evenings. In our day electricity generated power has made a real difference in the way we live, allowing us to stretch our days into nights.
But the price of electricity is climbing all over the country, in the Northeast, where we rely more on gas and oil than the Midwest with its vast open spaces and increasing reliance on renewable sources, flattening and even reducing energy costs. Solar energy doesn’t require power lines, which are being upgraded, especially here, a major factor in increasing energy costs.
Wall Street is buying up utility companies to make a killing. Who are the victims? This week Calvin Butler, owner of Excelon, owner of six regional utility companies, said in a recent interview that AI is driving up the cost of electricity but tells us to lower our cost, “turn off your lights.” Excelon said it has a relief fund to help low-income people with their electric bills, which perched from his office, he doesn’t need to worry about.
Prayer for the Day
You who made sun and clouds, wind and rain,
Be with us, O God, as we strive to care for your earth;
Enlighten us so we use your gifts wisely,
Reaping their benefits without destroying your creation.
Grant that we move beyond our immediate wants
So that we care for other peoples and other nations.
In the name of the One who is the fount of understanding,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Our [electric] bills have continued to be a problem. What we would just love to know is why.
Janice Rothstein, 81, Redding, Connecticut, quoted in The New York Times
Part of the problem is that you can often build new data centers faster than you can build new power plants to supply them.
Gregory Blanchard, Electric Power Research Institute
To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? Says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high and see; Who created these?
The Lord who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them by name,
Because the Lord is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing.
Isaiah 40: 25-26