In a recent interview on CNBC, Berkshire Hathaway Chief Executive Greg Abel highlighted a new opportunity for the company’s energy subsidiary, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, as artificial‑intelligence (AI) data centers expand across the United States. The discussion comes shortly after Berkshire increased its stake in Alphabet, the parent company of Google, making the tech giant its third‑largest common‑stock holding.
AI’s appetite for power creates a market for utilities
Abel described Google as a “significant player” in AI and explained that the decision to add another $10 billion to Berkshire’s Alphabet investment three months ago was driven by the anticipated growth of AI workloads. “We are all seeing and feeling the impact of AI,” he said, noting that the technology’s rapid adoption is reshaping energy demand.
Data centers that support AI models require massive amounts of electricity to run high‑performance servers and keep them cool. Abel pointed out that in Iowa, where Berkshire Hathaway Energy is headquartered, roughly 8 % of the utility’s total load last year originated from data‑center customers. He added that this figure is likely to rise as more AI‑focused facilities are built.
Energy as a strategic advantage
“I’ve sort of always had the strong view that energy would be the constraint,” Abel said. “We do still see it as a significant opportunity for Berkshire and Berkshire Hathaway Energy.” By positioning the utility to meet the growing power needs of AI infrastructure, Berkshire hopes to capture new revenue streams while supporting the nation’s technological advancement.
The company’s broader energy portfolio includes renewable generation, transmission assets, and natural‑gas operations, giving it flexibility to supply clean and reliable power to data‑center operators. Abel emphasized that Berkshire’s long‑term investment approach aligns with the steady, predictable demand that large‑scale computing facilities generate.
Implications for Iowa and beyond
For Iowa residents, the expansion of AI data centers could mean increased job opportunities in construction, operations, and ancillary services. It may also spur further investment in the state’s transmission grid, enhancing reliability for all customers.
Abel’s remarks underscore a broader trend: as AI becomes integral to industries ranging from healthcare to finance, the United States will need a robust, resilient energy backbone. Utilities like Berkshire Hathaway Energy are positioning themselves to meet that need, potentially strengthening the nation’s economic competitiveness while delivering affordable power to households.
While the exact timeline for new data‑center projects remains uncertain, Abel’s confidence signals that Berkshire Hathaway will continue to monitor and invest in the intersection of energy and emerging technologies.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
