Google and Meta Push Forecasts While Microsoft Invests $10 Billion

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is creating both immense opportunities and significant challenges, particularly concerning energy demands and ethical considerations. Utilities across the US are forecasting a massive surge in electricity needs for new AI data centers, prompting states and consumer groups to demand proof that these projects are viable. There's a real concern that regular customers could end up paying billions for power plants and grid upgrades if these energy-hungry facilities don't materialize. Joe Bowring from Monitoring Analytics describes these predictions as speculative, especially in the mid-Atlantic grid, and a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission member, David Rosner, requested better project viability data last September. Even the Data Center Coalition, which includes tech giants like Google and Meta, is pushing for more accurate and transparent forecasts, with Igal Feibush of Pennsylvania Data Center Partners noting utilities are in a 'fire drill' vetting numerous proposals. This energy debate unfolds as Microsoft makes a substantial commitment, announcing a $10 billion investment for AI infrastructure in Sines, Portugal, reported on November 11, 2025, to fund a new data center in collaboration with Start Campus and Nscale, marking one of Europe's largest AI investments. Beyond infrastructure, AI is actively transforming public services and industries. US cities and states are leveraging AI tools to enhance road safety, with Hawaii deploying 1,000 Nextbase dashcams to detect hazards and San Jose using cameras on street sweepers to identify potholes with 97% accuracy. Texas scans 250,000 lane miles for safety issues, and companies like StreetVision AI analyze traffic patterns to spot problems like a bush blocking a stop sign in Washington D.C. In the real estate sector, Redfin has partnered with Sierra AI to launch a conversational home search tool, allowing users to describe their dream home in natural language. Sierra CEO Bret Taylor, who also chairs OpenAI, highlighted the tool's ability to understand specific preferences and offer instant access to 2 million listings. The impact of AI on the workforce is also a major topic, with a CNBC survey of HR leaders revealing that 89% expect AI to affect jobs by 2026, and 45% believe it will impact half or more of all jobs next year. While 61% of leaders report AI makes their company more efficient, job cuts are primarily attributed to cost-cutting rather than AI efficiency, and 78% believe AI fosters innovation. Companies like HappyFox are already seeing tangible benefits, using Claude on Amazon Bedrock to cut B2B SaaS customer support tickets by 50% and save 50,000 hours annually, reducing response times to under 10 seconds. This system includes AI Resolve for self-service, AI Copilot for agent productivity, and Assist AI for IT and HR support, which integrates with Slack and Microsoft Teams. For developers and hobbyists, Hackster's 2025 Gift Guide showcases new AI hardware, such as the Arduino UNO R4 WiFi Q with on-board AI capabilities and the powerful Raspberry Pi 5. Meanwhile, Dr. Lance B. Eliot has introduced 'Collab Prompting,' a new prompt engineering technique designed to encourage more detailed and collaborative responses from AI and large language models. Amidst all this progress, Dr. Takunda Matose at AMP 2025 urged pathologists to consider the ethical limits of AI in healthcare, emphasizing that more data doesn't always improve models and that bias is an unavoidable aspect of AI systems, stressing the need for an ethical focus to improve performance and communication. This dynamic environment has also created a 'goldrush' of new investment opportunities across computer chips, data center real estate, and various public and private ventures, requiring investors to be agile and discerning.

Key Takeaways

• States are demanding proof from utilities for massive AI data center energy forecasts, fearing consumers could pay billions for unbuilt projects; Google and Meta are part of the Data Center Coalition advocating for better forecasts.
• Microsoft is investing $10 billion in AI infrastructure in Sines, Portugal, for a new data center, marking one of Europe's largest AI investments.
• US cities and states are deploying AI tools to enhance road safety, with Hawaii using 1,000 Nextbase dashcams and San Jose achieving 97% accuracy in pothole detection with street sweeper cameras.
• Redfin partnered with Sierra AI, whose CEO Bret Taylor is also OpenAI chairman, to launch a conversational AI home search tool offering access to 2 million listings.
• A CNBC survey indicates 89% of HR leaders expect AI to impact jobs by 2026, with 45% believing it will affect half or more of all jobs next year, though job cuts are primarily due to cost-cutting.
• HappyFox utilizes Claude on Amazon Bedrock to reduce B2B SaaS customer support tickets by 50% and save 50,000 hours annually, improving response times to under 10 seconds.
• Hackster's 2025 Gift Guide features new AI-capable hardware, including the Arduino UNO R4 WiFi Q with on-board AI and the Raspberry Pi 5.
• Dr. Lance B. Eliot introduced "Collab Prompting," a new prompt engineering technique designed to elicit more detailed and collaborative responses from AI and large language models.
• Dr. Takunda Matose emphasized the critical role of ethics in healthcare AI at AMP 2025, noting that bias is unavoidable and more data doesn't always improve models.
• AI has created a "goldrush" of new investment opportunities across computer chips, data center real estate, and various ventures, prompting experts to advise smart and agile investment strategies.

States demand proof for new data center energy needs

Utilities predict a huge increase in electricity demand for new AI data centers. States worry these forecasts might be based on projects that never get built. If projects fail, regular customers could pay billions for unneeded power plants and grid upgrades. Consumer groups want more openness and responsibility from utilities and developers. They seek proof that these energy-hungry facilities are truly necessary. This debate shows a conflict between new technology and smart energy planning.

States question huge energy forecasts for AI data centers

Utilities are predicting a massive rise in electricity needs for new AI data centers. States are concerned these forecasts might rely on data center projects that may not be built. This could leave regular customers paying billions for unneeded power plants and grid systems. Consumer advocates are pushing for more transparency from utilities and developers. They want proof that these energy-hungry facilities are truly needed and will be built. This situation highlights a conflict between tech progress and careful energy planning.

States demand proof for AI data center energy plans

Utilities forecast a huge increase in electricity for new AI data centers, causing alarm among officials. Lawmakers and regulators question if these forecasts are reliable, fearing customers might pay billions for unbuilt projects. Joe Bowring of Monitoring Analytics notes much speculation in these predictions, especially in the mid-Atlantic grid. A Federal Energy Regulatory Commission member, David Rosner, asked grid operators in September for better project viability data. The Data Center Coalition, including Google and Meta, also urges regulators to improve forecast accuracy and transparency. Igal Feibush of Pennsylvania Data Center Partners describes utilities as being in a "fire drill" to vet many data center projects.

AI bubble sparks concerns over electricity demand forecasts

Utilities predict massive electricity increases for new AI data centers, raising alarms about forecast reliability. Concerns exist that customers could pay billions for power plants and grid upgrades for projects that may not be built. Joe Bowring from Monitoring Analytics calls these forecasts speculative, especially in the mid-Atlantic grid. A Federal Energy Regulatory Commission member, David Rosner, pushed for better data on project viability in September. The Data Center Coalition, representing companies like Google and Meta, also wants more accurate and transparent forecasts. Igal Feibush of Pennsylvania Data Center Partners notes utilities face a "fire drill" to review many data center proposals.

US cities use AI to make roads safer

US cities and states are using AI tools to find and fix road hazards faster. This helps improve safety amid rising traffic deaths and tight budgets. Hawaii uses AI dashcams from Nextbase to spot damaged guardrails and missing signs. San Jose mounts cameras on street sweepers, correctly identifying potholes 97% of the time. Texas scans 250,000 lane miles for safety issues using cameras and cellphone data. StreetVision AI also analyzes traffic patterns, like finding a bush blocking a stop sign in Washington D.C.

AI technology improves road safety across America

US cities and states are adopting AI to enhance road safety and maintenance. Hawaii gives out 1,000 Nextbase dashcams to detect hazards and reverse a spike in traffic fatalities. San Jose uses cameras on street sweepers and parking enforcement vehicles, finding potholes with 97% accuracy. Texas employs AI with cameras and cellphone data to inspect 250,000 lane miles for issues. Companies like Blyncsy analyze guardrails daily, and StreetVision identifies traffic hazards, such as a bush blocking a stop sign in Washington D.C. The GovAI Coalition, formed in March 2024, helps governments share best practices for using AI.

Redfin and Sierra AI launch new home search tool

Redfin partnered with Sierra AI to introduce a new conversational search tool for homebuyers. This AI-powered tool lets users describe their dream home in natural language, moving beyond simple filters. Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman and Sierra CEO Bret Taylor, also OpenAI chairman, highlighted its ability to understand specific preferences like "cottage-like feel." The tool acts like a 24/7 real estate agent, offering instant access to 2 million listings. It can suggest new neighborhoods or homes based on desired features, even if the initial choice is unaffordable. This innovation aims to help families find homes they thought were out of reach.

CNBC survey shows AI will impact 89% of jobs in 2026

A CNBC survey of HR leaders found that 89% expect AI to impact jobs in 2026. About 45% believe AI will affect half or more of all jobs next year. One HR leader noted AI is "reshaping the future of work by redistributing tasks." While 61% of leaders say AI makes their company more efficient, job cuts are mainly due to cost-cutting, not AI efficiency. Most leaders, 78%, also believe AI makes their workforce more innovative. The survey suggests a shift towards skill-based hiring over traditional degree-based hiring.

AI creates new investment opportunities

AI has opened up many new investment opportunities, creating a "goldrush" for investors. These prospects include areas like computer chips, real estate for data centers, and various public and private ventures. Despite talks of an AI bubble, investors need to be smart about where they put their money. Experts like Bill Ford of General Atlantic and Philippe Laffont of Coatue Management are sharing their top tech trends. They advise investors to be agile and discerning in this fast-changing market.

Microsoft invests $10 billion in Portugal AI data center

Microsoft Corporation announced a $10 billion investment for AI infrastructure in Sines, Portugal. This plan, reported by Reuters on November 11, 2025, marks one of Europe's largest AI investments. The investment will fund a new data center in collaboration with Start Campus and Nscale. Microsoft continues to be a leading player in the AI infrastructure market.

Hackster's 2025 gift guide features top AI and tech gadgets

Hackster's 2025 Gift Guide highlights new single-board computers, development boards, and AI hardware for the holiday season. The Arduino UNO R4 WiFi Q, powered by Qualcomm's Dragonwing QRB2210 chip, offers on-board AI capabilities. Other notable SBCs include the upgraded Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and the powerful Raspberry Pi 5. For microcontrollers, the Arduino Nano R4 features a Renesas RA4M1 chip, and the Waveshare RP2040-Zero is an open-hardware Raspberry Pi Pico W alternative. The guide also suggests hobbyist kits like the retro RC2014 microcomputer, based on the Zilog Z80 processor. These selections cater to various interests, from global connectivity to low-power machine learning.

New Collab Prompting technique makes AI a better partner

Dr. Lance B. Eliot introduces "Collab Prompting," a new technique in prompt engineering. This method helps users get more detailed and collaborative responses from AI and large language models (LLMs). Unlike typical AI interactions that give short, "next-turn" answers, Collab Prompting encourages deeper conversations. It helps the AI focus on a longer-term goal, leading to more meaningful and robust answers for complex questions. Users can expect better results by using this technique, which turns AI into a true collaborative partner.

HappyFox AI cuts customer support tickets by 50 percent

HappyFox uses AI to help B2B SaaS companies cut customer support tickets by 50% and save 50,000 hours yearly. Founded by Shalin Jain, HappyFox switched to Claude on Amazon Bedrock for better accuracy and faster responses, reducing times from 15-20 seconds to under 10 seconds. Their three-layer AI strategy includes AI Resolve for customer self-service, AI Copilot for agent productivity, and Assist AI for IT and HR employee support. AI Resolve helps customers find answers quickly, preventing new tickets. AI Copilot gives agents instant summaries and response suggestions, making them 30% more productive. Assist AI automates routine IT and HR tasks, freeing up agents and working with Slack and Microsoft Teams.

Ethics are key for AI in healthcare says Dr Matose

At AMP 2025, Dr. Takunda Matose urged pathologists to consider the ethical limits of AI in healthcare. He stressed that simply using more data does not always improve AI models, as 90% of healthcare data remains unused. Dr. Matose, a research ethicist, highlighted that AI systems perform complex probability calculations and cannot guarantee correct answers. He emphasized that bias is unavoidable in AI systems because it is built into their design. He believes focusing on ethics will improve AI's performance and communication of information for developers and pathologists.

Sources

• Future data centers are driving up forecasts for energy demand. States want proof they'll get built
• Future data centers are driving up forecasts for energy demand. States want proof they'll get built
• Future data centers are driving up forecasts for energy demand. States want proof they'll get built
• The AI bubble may be showing up in an unexpected place: the shady forecasts of future electricity demand—and skyrocketing bills
• AI on the streets: US cities turn to AI for safer streets; new tools track hazards in real time - The Times of India
• From guardrails to potholes, AI is becoming the new eyes on America's roads
• Redfin teams up with Sierra to revolutionize homebuying with new conversational search tool
• AI to impact 89% of jobs next year, CNBC survey finds, as one HR leader says “reshaping the future of work by redistributing tasks”
• Alpha and AI Investing
• Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Unveils Its $10 Billion Investment Plan for AI Infrastructure in a Data Center in Portugal
• Hackster's Gift Guide 2025: The Best New SBCs, Dev Boards, AI Hardware, and More
• Prompt Engineering Welcomes The ‘Collab Prompting’ Technique That Turns AI Into Your Collaborative Partner
• SaaStr AI App of the Week: HappyFox – Cut Support Tickets 50% With AI That Actually Stays Inside Your Knowledge Base
• Artificial Intelligence in Health Care: The Ethical Frontier