NEWS: Microsoft pledged to protect customers from data center cost-shifting...then opposed Virginia ratepayer protections.

Awkward: As we reported, VA recently ordered data centers to pay for their own transmission infrastructure. Now, Microsoft has filed a (vague) appeal against these rules with the state’s Supreme Court.

The argument: The tech giant has claimed that VA’s decision could hinder federal efforts along the same lines. Last week, Microsoft said it wants to ensure that these requirements “appropriately” apply “cost-causation principles,” the Financial Times reported…but the company hasn’t pinpointed specific issues with the rules. 

Mixed messages: In March, Microsoft signed President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, voluntarily agreeing not to raise people’s power bills.