Research Study

How AI Data Centers
Impact Your Electric Bill

A groundbreaking study measuring the real economic impact of data center expansion on New Jersey households.

15 minutes · $15 gift card compensation

2×
Projected increase in data center electricity by 2026
8%
Of U.S. electricity could go to data centers by 2030
0
Studies measuring direct impact on household bills

The Challenge

The AI revolution has created unprecedented demand for computing power, straining regional power grids and threatening electricity affordability for millions of Americans.

Unprecedented Growth

Data center electricity demand is projected to double globally by 2026, driven by AI workloads.

Grid Strain

This massive, concentrated new load threatens stability and affordability of regional power systems.

Policy Gap

No one is measuring the real-world impact on monthly bills—policymakers are flying blind.

Team

Kiran Garimella
Kiran Garimella, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Communication & Information, Rutgers University

Dr. Garimella's research focuses on computational social science, examining the intersection of technology, policy, and society.

Kaitlyn Rich.
PhD student
School of Communication & Information, Rutgers University

.....

Ready to Make a Difference?

Your electricity bills can help shape energy policy that protects NJ families.

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Research Consent Form

Please review the following information carefully.

Study Title

Impact of AI Data Center Expansion on Residential Electricity Prices in New Jersey

Principal Investigator

Kiran Garimella, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Communication & Information
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Purpose

This study examines how AI data center expansion affects residential electricity prices in New Jersey. By analyzing actual utility bills, we aim to provide empirical evidence for energy policy decisions.

What You Will Do

If you agree to participate:

  • Download your electricity bills from the past 12-24 months from your utility provider
  • Upload these bills through our secure portal
  • Provide an email address for compensation only

The process takes approximately 15 minutes.

Compensation

You will receive a $15 Mastercard gift card sent to your email within 2 weeks of submission.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Minimal. Your bills contain address and usage information, kept strictly confidential.

Benefits: Your participation contributes to research that may help protect consumers from unfair pricing.

Confidentiality

All data is kept confidential. Your email is stored separately from utility data. All identifying information is removed before analysis. Data is stored on secure, encrypted servers.

Voluntary Participation

Participation is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw at any time by contacting the research team.

Contact

Questions about the study: kiran.garimella@rutgers.edu

Questions about your rights: humansubjects@ored.rutgers.edu

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Upload Your Electricity Bills

Follow the steps below to download and upload your bills.

How to Download Your Bills

Click on any step to view larger

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Used only to send your $15 gift card.

Drag and drop or click to select. We recommend at least 12 months of bills.

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Need help participating?

Request a Zoom call with our team for guided assistance.

Thank You

Your contribution is invaluable. Together, we're building evidence to protect New Jersey families.

Your $15 gift card will arrive within 2 weeks
Check the email address you provided
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