From WHYY: Delaware lawmakers aim to make data centers pay higher rates
Delaware lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at establishing higher electricity rates for large energy users, such as data centers. The goal is to prevent the technology industry from passing infrastructure expansion costs onto residential customers. This new bill would also grant the Delaware Public Service Commission authority over electric grid connections.
Delaware lawmakers have proposed legislation designed to shield ratepayers from increasing electricity costs linked to the growing demand from data centers. The bill would mandate Delmarva Power, a subsidiary of Exelon, to implement a separate, higher electricity rate for customers that consume more than 50 megawatts monthly.
This legislative effort aims to ensure that the technology industry does not transfer the expenses associated with required infrastructure expansion to residential customers. The proposed legislation integrates two prior proposals, creating tariff provisions for large energy-use facilities and empowering the Delaware Public Service Commission, the state's utility regulator, to oversee connections to the electric grid. Delmarva Power has stated it will review the newly introduced legislation. While data center advocates emphasize potential benefits like increased tax revenue and job creation, residents are worried that the strain on the power grid could result in higher energy bills.