Data centers, power grid demands take center stage at Georgia energy summit

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce convened its inaugural "State of Energy" summit at Coca-Cola headquarters in downtown Atlanta, gathering prominent business and energy leaders to discuss the future of the state's power grid. CEOs from Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, Gas South, and MEAG Power were among the key attendees. A primary focus of the summit was the rapid proliferation of data centers across Georgia, which has raised community concerns regarding their energy and water consumption.

Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, addressed these concerns, framing data centers as vital modern infrastructure and a national security issue driven by consumer demand. He argued that the industry is improving energy efficiency and exploring advanced battery solutions to reduce its environmental impact. Clark also clarified that data centers in Georgia bear their own energy costs, paying higher rates and losing power before residential customers in grid disruptions. He asserted that these facilities contribute to significant utility system upgrades across the state, benefiting all residents. The summit aimed to balance these substantial infrastructure investments with ensuring the long-term reliability and sustainability of Georgia's power grid.