Gerstner Says 10 to 15 GW of U.S. Data Center Capacity Planned for 2027 May Slip

Investors discussing the U.S. midterm election results raised data center power constraints and AI rulemaking as separate concerns, with one estimating delays to planned 2027 capacity.

Host Chamath Palihapitiya said the industry’s reliance on electricity leaves data center construction vulnerable to restrictions on new facilities. He warned that limits in states such as Texas could affect AI companies broadly and described AI investment as an important part of U.S. economic growth.

Jason Calacanis urged technology companies to work with Democrats on AI rules after the industry had supported Trump. He argued that repeated warnings from the technology sector about AI causing human extinction and mass unemployment had heightened public fear.

Brad Gerstner, founder of Altimeter Capital, said many Democratic election winners wanted a larger role in AI oversight rather than a halt to development. He estimated that 10 to 15 gigawatts of data center power capacity the U.S. planned to add in 2027 may not be commissioned on schedule.

Gerstner said he remains optimistic about AI model companies. As an existing Anthropic investor, he said Altimeter hopes to be among the largest buyers if Anthropic holds an initial public offering.