Ellison: Google’s Pine Island data center could cost Minnesotans millions for electricity
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison argues that Google's proposed Pine Island data center could shift millions of dollars, and potentially more than $1 billion, in electricity costs onto other Xcel Energy customers. Google and Xcel dispute the claim, while the project remains on hold during a lawsuit seeking a more extensive environmental review.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison told the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission that Xcel Energy's proposed agreement to serve Google's hyperscale data center in Pine Island may fail to protect residential and small-business ratepayers from future costs. His office also criticized redactions in the agreement and argued that Google should bear all costs attributable to the project, including risks that could arise if its 15-year contract ends early.
Xcel Energy said Google will fund 1,900 megawatts of new wind, solar and battery resources and pay its share of existing system costs, arguing that the arrangement will benefit current customers without compromising reliability. Google said the agreement is in the public interest and complies with Minnesota law. The Public Utilities Commission will review public comments before deciding whether to approve, modify or reject the electric service agreement.
The Pine Island City Council has approved the data center, but construction is on hold while a judge considers a lawsuit seeking a more thorough environmental review.