Duval leaders dig into data center debate
Duval County and Jacksonville leaders are considering a temporary moratorium on new data center applications and possible local regulations. JEA said it has received at least 50 development inquiries but lacks the capacity for hyperscale facilities, while developing a tariff to protect consumers from related costs.
Duval County leaders began discussions about data center development at a meeting convened by Jacksonville City Councilmember Moné Holder. Councilmembers and residents raised concerns about electricity generation, consumer protections and whether the city should temporarily halt new data center applications while officials study potential regulations.
JEA said six small data centers already operate in its service area and that it has received at least 50 inquiries about additional development. However, the utility currently lacks capacity for hyperscale facilities, which typically require 50 megawatts or more, and is developing a large-load tariff intended to shift infrastructure costs away from consumers. Councilmembers Jimmy Peluso and Holder support considering a moratorium, while Councilmember Ron Salem questioned its necessity and favored a broader technology policy committee.