Brian Abraham: Data centers are an economic opportunity for WV
Appalachian Power President and COO Brian Abraham argues that data centers could bring investment, jobs and tax revenue to West Virginia while helping spread electric-system costs across a larger customer base. He says the utility’s large-load tariff is intended to ensure data centers pay for the infrastructure needed to serve them rather than shifting those costs to existing customers.
Brian Abraham, president and chief operating officer of Appalachian Power, says West Virginia should view data centers as an opportunity to support economic development and improve electric affordability. He argues that population declines and the loss of large industrial customers have left fewer customers to cover the costs of maintaining the state’s electric system.
Abraham acknowledges concerns about data-center water use but says newer cooling technologies can reduce consumption. He also highlights construction and permanent jobs, tax revenue, and grid investment, while pointing to Appalachian Power’s new large-load tariff and its participation in the White House’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge as safeguards for existing customers.