EU proposes smart meter law to shift household power use away from peak hours (politico.eu)

• EU Commission to propose law on AI-powered smart meters for households
• Goal: shift electricity use away from peak hours to manage grid stress
• Horizon Europe allocates €75M for energy-efficient AI research

"The European Commission announced on June 3, 2026, a plan to introduce legislation later this year mandating AI-powered smart meters for households. The goal is to reduce peak-time electricity consumption, lower bills, and alleviate grid strain amid surging demand from data centers and electrification. Data centers currently consume 2.5% of EU electricity, projected to double within four years. The Commission abandoned earlier plans for mandatory energy efficiency standards for data centers and delayed a labeling system. Horizon Europe will provide €75 million for energy-efficient AI research."