Georgia’s data center boom raises questions about power costs and economic growth
Georgia’s rapid data center expansion is increasing demand on the power grid and raising concerns about utility costs. Georgia Power and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce say data centers are helping fund grid investments and could bring jobs, tax revenue and economic growth.
Georgia has more than 100 data centers under construction and another 100 planned, prompting concerns about grid capacity and the potential effect on electricity costs. Georgia Power is expanding capacity and plans to provide more than 3 gigawatts of clean energy by 2032.
Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, said communities should decide whether they can support data centers and adopt appropriate zoning and transparency rules. He argued that Georgia’s utility policies require data centers to help cover infrastructure investments and support lower rates, while the industry could generate jobs and local tax revenue.