Senators next to consider data center regulations to protect ratepayers
North Carolina's House of Representatives passed the Ratepayer Protection Act (Senate Bill 730), a measure aimed at shielding families, small businesses, and taxpayers from potential utility rate increases due to data center development and energy policy mandates. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Supporters argue it will ensure data centers do not unduly burden ratepayers with the costs of new power infrastructure, while also addressing energy affordability and reliability.
The North Carolina House of Representatives passed the Ratepayer Protection Act, known as Senate Bill 730, which aims to protect consumers from utility rate increases stemming from data center development and energy policy mandates. The bill cleared the House with a 69-44 vote, receiving support from some Democrats and independents, while all Republicans voted in favor. The legislation is now with the Senate for further consideration.
Supporters of the bill, including Republican Rep. Matthew Winslow of Franklin County, emphasize the need for stronger oversight of data centers, changes to energy policy, and measures to ensure ethics and accountability. Winslow stated that while data centers bring economic opportunity, their growth must not compromise ratepayers, water resources, or energy reliability.
Jon Sanders, director of the John Locke Foundation's Center for Food, Power, and Life, suggested that data centers should be allowed to voluntarily supply or contract for their own power to protect other customers from construction costs of new power plants. Statewide polling by Carolina Journal indicated that 78.2% of voters believe data centers should generate their own energy. The bill, initially filed as Senate Bill 730, underwent significant changes from its original proposal, which focused on expanding clean energy portfolio standards.