Data Centers Could Cost Florida Ratepayers Billions, FSU Expert Warns
An FSU expert warns that Florida utility customers could be forced to pay billions for the infrastructure needed to support the booming AI data center industry. Dr. Mark McNees argues that current utility regulations allow data centers to externalize massive electricity and water consumption costs onto residential ratepayers. He emphasizes that companies should bear these financial and environmental risks.
Dr. Mark McNees, Director of the Master of Science Degree Program in Social and Sustainable Enterprises at FSU's Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, warns that Florida utility customers face billions in costs to support the expansion of AI data centers across the state. Appearing on The Ryan Gorman Show, McNees, who also authored a Tampa Bay Times op-ed on the subject, stated that current utility regulations enable data center companies to pass the substantial expenses of new electricity generation and transmission infrastructure directly to residential ratepayers. He likened this to