Vindman introduces bill to shield customers from paying for data centers’ electricity costs
Rep. Eugene Vindman introduced the Make Data Centers Pay Act, which would require medium and large data centers using at least 20 megawatts to pay the incremental electricity and infrastructure costs they create. The bill is intended to prevent those costs from being shifted to residential customers and small businesses in Virginia and across the country.
Rep. Eugene Vindman, whose 7th Congressional District includes Fredericksburg, introduced legislation that would require medium and large data centers and high-density computing facilities to cover the incremental costs associated with their electricity demand. The Make Data Centers Pay Act would apply to facilities requiring at least 20 megawatts and would amend the Federal Power Act.
Vindman said the proposal would protect families and small businesses from higher utility bills as data centers and artificial intelligence increase electricity demand. The bill is part of a broader data center policy agenda for Vindman, who previously introduced legislation addressing data center locations and utility rate transparency. Data centers are operating or proposed in Fredericksburg and Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline and King George counties.