Georgia Power pledges customers won’t pay for data center growth

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Georgia Power officials are pledging that residential customers will not see higher energy bills as more data centers move into the state, saying large companies — not consumers — will bear the cost of expansion.

Media relations manager Meredith Stone said the utility is focused on charging large companies more so consumers pay less.

“There’s this national conversation around data centers, rates, and whether or not customers are footing the bills for data centers,” Stone said. “I have to let our customers know that is not happening in Georgia.”

Long-term contracts, infrastructure costs

Georgia Power is implementing a new customer service pledge tied to the state’s data center growth. The utility said data centers and large manufacturing companies building in Georgia should benefit all residents, not drive up bills.

Stone said the contracts are structured to protect customers even if a company backs out.

“We are signing 15 to 25 year contracts so if they back out they are still paying,” Stone said. “Data centers are also paying for all of the infrastructure that’s required for serving them. Making sure they pay for that and it’s not going back on our customers.”

Environmental concerns raised

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Chris Manganiello said data center construction across Georgia has raised concerns beyond energy costs, including pollution and water quality.

“There have been issues with erosion control, with data center construction, there have been questions about water quality related to construction of data centers,” Manganiello said. “And questions about whether communities have water supply for the proposed facilities.”

Stone notes data centers are customers for Georgia Power and water service is handled by separate entities. She adds Georgia Power has staff dedicated full time to environmental stewardship.

“When it comes to air quality, water quality we have people who are at Georgia Power that are committed, it’s their full time job to ensure we are good stewards to the environment and we are protecting what we’ve been charged to protect,” Stone said. “We take that very seriously.”

Stone added Georgia Power has programs available for customers having trouble paying their bill — including rate options and connections with community partners that may be able to offer additional assistance.

Separately, a group called “Keep It Rural” has filed a lawsuit against Columbus, asking a court to strike down a new overlay district designed to regulate data centers in the area.