OpenAI’s data center will need unprecedented power. What it means for Effingham County electric bills

Georgia Public Service Commissioner Alicia Johnson announced that residents of Effingham County will not see increases in their Georgia Power bills as a result of the proposed $20 billion OpenAI data center. The commissioner, representing District 2, stated in an interview with WJCL 22 that the power agreement, recently approved by state regulators, stipulates that OpenAI will bear all costs associated with serving the facility, including necessary grid upgrades.

The data center is projected to require an unprecedented 3,200 megawatts of power, a demand described by Johnson as "more than we've ever seen in the history of our state." Under the terms of the agreement, OpenAI is also committed to paying a minimum power bill regardless of actual consumption, ensuring financial responsibility even if electricity use is lower than anticipated. Furthermore, the agreement protects Georgia Power customers from future cost recovery efforts by the utility related to the project's fuel or infrastructure.

While the Public Service Commission's authority is limited to power agreements and does not extend to local decisions on site selection or issues like water use, noise, and traffic, Johnson emphasized the importance of local governments establishing protections for residents before approving large data center projects. She warned against providing any industry a "blank check" for resource use, highlighting the long-term community impacts. The proposed Effingham County data center continues to undergo local review.