"While consumers object to high energy costs and data center development, utility and tech companies are sponsoring events for friendly regulators."

"WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — As a pink-and-gold sunset faded over the waterside Ben Hotel, Republican state utility officials streamed out of a reception where they had been imbibing with executives from the industries they regulate.

Milling about the coastal glam lobby, one attendee complained about service dogs in the first-class cabin on his flight. A group of men in cowboy hats urged fellow regulators and operatives to join them in continuing the night elsewhere. Another cluster lamented the growing number of local data center bans.

The industry-funded retreat was not meant to be seen. Handouts said reporters and constituents were not welcome. But their name tags identified the attendees moving through the lobby. Among them were utility commissioners — state officials whose decisions impact electricity bills and determine whether utilities can build power plants and transmission lines.

Milling about the coastal glam lobby, one attendee complained about service dogs in the first-class cabin on his flight. A group of men in cowboy hats urged fellow regulators and operatives to join them in continuing the night elsewhere. Another cluster lamented the growing number of local data center bans."

Evan Halper reports for the Washington Post August 12, 2026. [2]