AI is driving up electricity bills

By

-

July 27, 2025

AI is driving up electricity bills primarily through the massive energy demands of data centers running complex models.

Training and operating large-scale AI systems, like those used for generative tasks or machine learning, require significant computational power, often powered by energy-intensive GPUs.

For instance, training a single large language model can consume as much energy as several households use in a year, with estimates suggesting a single AI model training run can emit over 600 tons of CO2 equivalent, largely due to electricity use.

Data centers, which house these operations, are projected to consume 4-6% of global electricity by 2030, up from about 1-2% today, as Artificial Intelligence adoption grows.

For consumers, this can translate to higher electricity costs in two ways:

Direct Usage

If you use AI-powered services (e.g., cloud-based AI tools, smart home devices, or even streaming platforms with AI-driven recommendations), your devices may consume more power, especially if they’re running constant background processes or querying remote servers.

Indirect Impact

Utilities may raise rates as grid demand surges from AI data centers. In regions with heavy data center presence, like Northern Virginia or Silicon Valley, local grids are strained, potentially leading to higher costs for everyone.

Some reports indicate that data center electricity demand in the U.S. could double by 2030, pushing utilities to invest in costly infrastructure upgrades, which get passed on to consumers.

Energy Optimization

It’s been said that AI can optimize energy use for smart grids and AI-driven appliances can reduce household consumption by up to 10-20% in some cases.

Though Artificial Intelligence might optimize energy use in the long run, we already know that once the cost goes up, it never comes down.

We’ve seen the historical price increases for services and products over the years due to higher inflation. However, when the inflation goes down, the high prices remain.

Any savings that you might expect AI to deliver with regard to energy optimization will be negligible at best.

The net long term effect will lean toward higher electric bills due to the scale of AI’s energy footprint.

Saving Money

If you’re noticing a spike in your electric bill, check if your home devices (smart speakers, AI-enabled thermostats) are running constant updates or cloud queries, and consider auditing your usage patterns.

You might also save a bit of money on your electric bill by disabling the wi-fi on your thermostat, refrigerator, or any other item you might have in the home that consumes power via IoT connections.

AI also puts a strain on the batteries of your hand held devices, like your iPhone for instance. Turning off (or deleting) AI powered apps on your phone can extend your battery charge and life by a good margin.

Higher Prices Coming

NorthWestern Energy has already been raising it’s rates this year (with higher rates planned for the near future) and with the planned TAC Data Center expected to be built right here in Great Falls, our electricity rates will most likely more than double in just a few short years.

Aurosonic (feat. Stine Grove) – In Euphoria We Rise

By

Aimee

-

July 20, 2025

Aurosonic (feat. Stine Grove) - In Euphoria We Rise

The Russian electronic project Aurosonic was created on 6th June 2005.

The duo found they had the same taste in music and decided to unite their forces and commence with Aurosonic.

After creative research and musical experiments Aurosonic finally found its special sound, harmonically combined with modern club sounds and progressive trance elements.

In 2006 Aurosonic won recognition from the public on the world Trance stage.

The project was immediately recognized and supported by the most famous top DJs such as Armin Van Buuren, Markus Schulz, Tiesto, Ferry Corsten, Matt Darey, Paul Oakenfold, Andy Moor, Solarstone, Gareth Emery, Mike Shiver, Lange, Alex M.O.R.P.H., Rank 1, Aly & Fila, Roger Shah, Pedro Del Mar and many others.

The project is now in active cooperation with many of them.

Visit Aurosonic

https://x.com/aurosonic
https://www.facebook.com/Aurosonic
https://www.discogs.com/artist/564162-Aurosonic

Visit Stine Grove

Stine Grove is an EDM singer & songwriter from Copenhagen, Denmark.
She works on her own project in the Electronica, Trip Hop and Shoegazer styles.

https://www.facebook.com/StineGrove/
https://linktr.ee/stinegrove

In Euphoria We Rise

Lyrics:

SOMETIMES THE WORLD SEEMS DARK AND COLD
SOMETIMES WE GET LOST AND LOSE CONTROL
SOMETIMES OUR HURT PUTS OUR HAPPINESS ON HOLD
WHAT KEEPS US GOING DOWN THE LINE AND MAKES IT WORTH OUR WHILE?

IT’S THE MOMENTS OF LIFE
IT’S THE STORY THAT WE WRITE
IN EUPHORIA WE RISE
ABOVE THE NOISE WE TOUCH THE SKY
THE SPARKLE IN YOUR EYES
THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT
IT’S IN EVERY HAPPY MOMENT
IN EUPHORIA WE RISE

SOMETIMES THE GAME OF LIFE BRINGS US TO OUR KNEES
SOMETIMES THE HARSH TRUTH CAN TAKE AWAY THE EASE
SOMETIMES OUR HEARTS WILL BREAK IN SEARCH OF PEACE
WHAT KEEPS US GOING DOWN THE LINE AND MAKES IT WORTH OUR WHILE?

IT’S THE MOMENTS OF LIFE
IT’S THE STORY THAT WE WRITE
IN EUPHORIA WE RISE
ABOVE THE NOISE WE TOUCH THE SKY
THE SPARKLE IN YOUR EYES
THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT
IT’S IN EVERY HAPPY MOMENT
IN EUPHORIA WE RISE

Basin, Montana (a short history)

By

Alan

-

July 20, 2025

Basin, Montana is located in Jefferson County along Interstate 15, roughly halfway between Butte and Helena.

Situated in a high, narrow canyon about 10 miles southeast of the Continental Divide, it sits at an elevation of 5,364 feet.

The population was 212 at the 2010 census, down from 255 in 2000. Basin Creek flows through the town, joining the Boulder River on its south side.

Mining

Historically, Basin was a bustling gold and silver mining town, with its population peaking at around 1,500 in the early 20th century.

Gold deposits at the mouth of Cataract Creek, about a half mile downstream of Basin were reported as early as 1862.

Prospectors staked claims and built cabins, and within a few years placer mining extended the full lengths of Cataract and Basin Creeks.

When a settlement was established in Basin, the buildings at the mouth of Cataract Creek were gradually moved to Basin, and the Cataract camp was abandoned.

By the 1870’s lode mining boomed with mines like Eva May, Uncle Sam, and Comet.

The town prospered with the arrival of railroads and a smelter, but as ore deposits dwindled, mining declined, and many operations closed by the 1920s.

Today, remnants of this era, including abandoned mining equipment and the ruins of a smelter, are still visible.

Some of Basin’s old mines, like the Merry Widow and Earth Angel, have been repurposed as health mines, promoting radon exposure for alleged therapeutic benefits, particularly for arthritis.

These attract visitors, some staying at local RV sites for multi-day treatments.

Activities

Basin has a vibrant, eclectic vibe, largely due to artists and musicians drawn to its rural charm.

From 1993 to 2011, it hosted the Montana Artists Refuge, and the art scene remains active with places like Basin Creek Pottery and Gallery.

The town’s small business district includes a fire station, post office, two restaurants, a bar, and specialty shops, many housed in historic buildings.

It also has an elementary school, a water system, and a low-power radio station.

Surrounded by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Basin offers access to outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing in the Boulder River.

The Basin Canyon Campground, a small undeveloped site nearby, caters to those seeking a rustic experience.

The area’s geology, rooted in the Boulder Batholith, a granitic formation from 76 million years ago, adds to its rugged appeal.

Historical Habitation

Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the region dates back 10,000 years, with Clovis artifacts found near Clancy, 20 miles northeast.

Nomadic tribes, including the Kootenai, Flathead, and Pend d’Oreilles, hunted bison here until the mid-19th century.

For visitors, Basin is a quiet stop with a mix of history, art, and outdoor recreation. The nearest major airports are in Helena (HLN) and Butte (BTM), about 30-40 miles away.

The Guadalupe River and it’s historical flooding

By

Alan

-

July 6, 2025

Guadalupe River and it's historical flooding

The Guadalupe River in Texas has a long history of significant flooding, with major floods recorded as far back as the 19th century.

Climate alarmists were quick to blame climate change after this most recent 2025 event, failing to look back at the history of the region before making their assumptions.

They say that the Guadalupe River, flowing through the Texas Hill Country, is increasingly impacted by climate change, which is altering rainfall patterns, stream-flow, and flood risks. The region is known as “Flash Flood Alley” due to its susceptibility to rapid and severe flooding, a risk now heightened by climate-driven changes.

Actually when you study the history, you might discover that it’s most likely more having to do with humans constantly putting themselves into harms way. If humans weren’t being injured or killed during these flood events then the so-called climate change argument wouldn’t even exist. Climate change doesn’t ever really happen unless there are humans involved at some point.

While it is difficult to provide an exact count of every flood event due to the river’s propensity for frequent flash floods and the limitations of historical record-keeping, several notable major floods have been well documented:

Historically significant floods on the Guadalupe River occurred in the following years:

- 1838
- 1848
- 1868
- 1872
- 1906
- 1913
- 1921
- 1936
- 1952
- 1972
- 1973
- 1978
- 1987
- 1989
- 1991
- 1997
- 1998
- 2015
- 2018
- 2020
- 2021
- 2025

These years reflect at least 22 major flood events that have been chronicled in local histories and official reports. Notably, the river is located in what is known as “Flash Flood Alley,” making it particularly susceptible to rapid, destructive flooding due to the area’s rocky terrain and tendency for intense rainfall.

More notable flooding

- 1913: Part of the Texas Flood of 1913, causing widespread devastation and loss of life.
- 1972: Exceptionally heavy rain led to major flooding in New Braunfels and Seguin.
- 1987: The deadliest event until 2025, with a tragic loss of life at a church camp near Comfort, Texas.
- 1998: Broke most existing records, exceeding the 100-year flood plain and causing unprecedented damage.
- 2020: Caused more than $1 billion in damage along the river.
- 2025: The river rose 26 feet within 45 minutes, resulting in at least 67 deaths.

In summary

The Guadalupe River has experienced dozens of floods (that we actually know of) over its *known history, with at least 22 major events documented since the 1800s. The river’s location in Flash Flood Alley means that flooding is a persistent and sometimes deadly threat.

We’re pretty confident that these flash floods have been going on for centuries (with even Native American tribes hanging around ’till the flood waters receded in order to collect the fish left behind in the large pools of water) — long before someone came along to document them.

The flooding along the Guadalupe River is a recurring natural event and is not unprecedented — the flooding has been happening long before people came along to make excuses for it. Some things in nature just cannot be explained away by the simple Pseudo Science of climate change.

Cory Reeves: 2025 Incumbent Candidate for Great Falls Mayor

By

Aimee

-

July 6, 2025

Cory Reeves: 2025 Incumbent Candidate for Great Falls Mayor

Cory Reeves, the current mayor of Great Falls, is running for re-election in the upcoming 2025 municipal election.

He officially filed for re-election, and his challenger is Jasmine Taylor.

Reeves has served as mayor since 2024 and is completing his first two-year term, set to end December 31, 2025. The filing period for the mayoral election closed on June 11, 2025, confirming his candidacy.

The election will be held in November 2025, and all newly elected officials will take office in January 2026.

Before becoming Mayor, Cory held the role of Executive Director at Adlera Laboratory LLC from July 2022 to November 2023.

Cory also served as Undersheriff at the Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner’s Office from January 2019 to July 2022 and had a long tenure at the Great Falls Police Department from March 1998 to December 2018, where Cory worked as a Police Officer and Detective.

Cory Reeves holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Providence.

Cory Reeves’ main priorities as he continues to serve as mayor of Great Falls are:

- Reducing red tape and improving city processes: He has made significant efforts to streamline the city’s zoning and permitting processes, aiming to make it easier for businesses and developers to invest in Great Falls. Reeves prioritizes cutting bureaucratic obstacles and making city government more supportive of local entrepreneurship and economic growth.
- Transparency and community engagement: Increasing transparency and communicating openly with residents and stakeholders are core themes for Reeves. He believes in actively updating the public and keeping city government accessible and accountable.
- Economic development: Reeves is optimistic about new growth and is focused on ensuring the city’s infrastructure—such as roads and utilities—can support expanding businesses. He sees economic momentum as a key opportunity for the city’s future.
- Addressing housing needs: With population growth, Reeves acknowledges the need for more diverse and affordable housing options. He is working to remove obstacles in the permitting process and collaborating with developers to expand housing availability across income levels.
- Cost of living: In recent city communications, Reeves also named the cost of living as a top priority alongside public safety, indicating ongoing efforts to make Great Falls an affordable place to live.

Reeves combines a focus on essential city services—like safety and infrastructure—with goals to foster growth, transparency, and livability for all residents of Great Falls.

Cory Reeves’ law enforcement experience significantly shapes his vision for community growth by emphasizing the principles of community policing, partnership, and trust-building with residents.

Drawing from practices common in effective law enforcement leadership, Reeves approaches public safety not just as crime prevention, but as an essential foundation for stable, thriving neighborhoods and economic development.

Key Points

Partnerships with the community

Law enforcement experience often highlights that crime prevention and community well-being are more successful through collaboration between police and residents. Reeves likely values building networks among city agencies, businesses, and citizens to jointly address issues and foster an environment attractive for growth.

Empowerment and engagement

Community policing teaches that officers and city leaders should be empowered to address local needs creatively and directly. Reeves’ background would inform his approach to encourage city officials and residents to take initiative in problem-solving partnerships that strengthen community bonds.

Holistic public safety

Officers with broad law enforcement experience recognize that addressing social drivers of crime (such as housing insecurity, youth engagement, and economic opportunity) is critical. Reeves integrates these lessons, prioritizing public safety improvements as a prerequisite for investment, business confidence, and population growth.

Trust and transparency

Law enforcement leaders learn the importance of community trust and open communication for effective policing. Reeves carries this forward by promoting transparency in government and ongoing dialogue with residents, aiming to create a secure and welcoming atmosphere that fuels community growth.

Integrated service delivery

Modern policing often involves working across government departments—housing, health, social services—to address quality-of-life issues that affect safety and growth. Reeves’ vision for Great Falls is likely grounded in this collaborative, cross-sector approach.

Reeves’ law enforcement background leads him to see public safety as inseparable from economic vitality and livability, and he prioritizes strategies that empower community members as partners in building a safe, dynamic city.

Reeves aims to address the cost of living for Great Falls residents through several interrelated strategies centered on essential city services, economic opportunity, and housing:

Expanding affordable housing

Reeves prioritizes removing obstacles in the city’s permitting process, collaborating with developers, and encouraging diverse housing options. This approach is intended to make housing more accessible and keep prices manageable for residents as population growth increases demand.

Streamlining city processes

By reducing red tape, Reeves believes local businesses and housing projects can move forward faster, potentially increasing housing supply and business competition—both factors that can influence cost of living.

Public safety and essential infrastructure

By ensuring the city’s safety services and core infrastructure are well-supported, Reeves aims to foster a stable environment for investment and job creation, indirectly addressing cost of living by supporting wage growth and protecting property values.

Transparency and accountability

Reeves emphasizes clear communication with residents regarding costs, taxes, and community investment, aiming to keep local government effective and spending focused on priorities that benefit everyday life.

While Reeves does not propose direct financial assistance or subsidies to offset living expenses, his strategies are focused on long-term factors — especially housing and local economic development that strongly influence what residents pay for everyday needs.

These efforts are meant to increase housing availability, reduce barriers for local businesses, and maintain Great Falls as an affordable place to live through economic growth and efficient local governance.

More Info

For more information, you can visit Cory Reeves on his Facebook page or contact the Cascade County Election Office (406-454-6803, elections@cascadecountymt.gov).