Understanding Data Centers: JEA expert answers questions, dispels myths
A News4JAX interview with JEA executive Ricky Erickson explains the electricity, water and noise impacts of data centers, particularly large hyperscale facilities. Nassau and Clay counties have issued data center moratoriums, while Jacksonville has several smaller facilities and has received inquiries about larger projects that have not moved forward because JEA cannot meet their construction timelines.
News4JAX interviewed Ricky Erickson, JEA’s chief electric systems officer, about data center development in Northeast Florida. Erickson said Jacksonville has several smaller facilities, generally using less than 5 megawatts, while hyperscale centers can require 100, 200 or even 1,000 megawatts. He said serving a large facility would require significant new generation and transmission infrastructure, with equipment lead times of three to five years.
The discussion also addressed community concerns about noise, electricity prices and water consumption. Erickson said newer facilities increasingly use closed-loop cooling systems that reduce ongoing water demand, while Florida law requires new data centers to pay for the infrastructure and generation needed to serve them rather than shifting those costs to existing customers. Nassau and Clay counties have issued moratoriums amid community opposition, and Erickson said large companies have not yet proceeded in Jacksonville because JEA cannot currently meet their requested development schedules. News4JAX reported that Duval County has six smaller data centers and that additional companies have sought permits for potential hyperscale projects.