South Carolina Data Centers, Power Bills, Mike Rowe, and a Viral Myth
The article debunks a social media myth about widespread dislike for data centers, clarifying that polls show opposition to local data center siting, not general dislike. It highlights that in South Carolina, particularly Horry County, the real concern is rising electricity bills driven by data center demand. State utilities have enacted new rates for large-load customers, and the legislature is considering bills related to moratoriums and ratepayer protection to ensure data center beneficiaries cover their costs.
The article clarifies misconceptions surrounding public sentiment towards data centers, particularly a viral claim that 75% of Americans dislike them. It references Gallup and other polls which found that 71% of Americans oppose building a data center in their area, a "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) measure, rather than general dislike. It also contextualizes Mike Rowe's advocacy for data centers, noting his industry partnerships with Meta and Aligned Data Centers, which fund his skilled-trades initiatives. Rowe, host of "Dirty Jobs," argues data centers are necessary but estimates his "75%" uneasiness number from his gut, not a poll.
The core issue for South Carolina residents, especially in Horry County, is rising electricity bills. Data centers are identified as the primary driver of the fastest growth in U.S. electricity demand since 2000, projected to consume up to 12% of U.S. electricity by 2028 and potentially raising costs significantly. While Horry County currently hosts only a DC BLOX subsea-cable landing station in Myrtle Beach, not a hyperscale AI facility, other counties like Dorchester, Berkeley (Google), and Aiken (Meta, NorthMark Strategies) have large data center projects impacting the statewide grid.
In response to this demand, Santee Cooper, South Carolina's state-owned utility, enacted an experimental rate in April 2025 for large-load customers of 50 megawatts or more, requiring higher rates, long-term contracts, and upfront payments for transmission. This aims to prevent existing ratepayers from subsidizing new data center capacity. Furthermore, the South Carolina Legislature is considering bills like H.5286, a data center moratorium, and H5215, a ratepayer-protection act, though these remain proposed. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for robust protections to ensure those who benefit from data centers also bear the costs of necessary grid infrastructure.