The rapid expansion of AI data centers is reshaping power systems and increasing the importance of social license where some communities are demanding greater transparency. Doug Morrow, Director of ESG Strategy at BMO Capital Markets, explains to host Alma Cortés Selva, Senior Advisor with the BMO Climate Institute, how surging investment in Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, and automation is transforming electricity markets and placing data centers under new kinds of public scrutiny.

Morrow explores why concerns over rising power bills, water use, and questionable local economic benefits have turned data centers into a flashpoint for communities, investors, and policymakers alike. He discusses what responsible growth looks like in practice—from clearer disclosure of energy and water impacts to emerging industry pledges and community‑first approaches—and why trust and transparency will be just as critical as technology in determining whether the next phase of digital infrastructure build‑out succeeds. 

In this previous episode of Sustainability Leaders, Rich Powell, CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers Association, discusses how innovative approaches – from data center flexibility to technologies such as geothermal and nuclear – are shaping the future of energy markets.

Amazon Web Services was the focus of a previous podcast on the topic of energy-efficient data centers.

Visit BMO for more thought leadership from Alma Cortes Selva with the BMO Climate Institute.