OpenAI forced to delay plans for $20B data center in Georgia
OpenAI's plans for a $20 billion data center in Georgia have been delayed due to objections from state utility regulators concerning a 25-year electricity service agreement with Georgia Power. Georgia Power voluntarily postponed the contract's start date, now having 12 days to address the Public Service Commission's concerns before an August 26 approval deadline.
OpenAI's ambitious plan for a $20 billion data center along the Georgia coast has encountered a setback with state utility regulators and Georgia Power, the state's largest power provider.
On Thursday, Georgia Power voluntarily delayed the commencement of its 25-year service agreement to supply massive amounts of electricity to OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. This decision came after state regulators signaled their intent to object to the contract in its current form, potentially triggering a 30-day delay.
The voluntary delay provides Georgia Power a condensed 12-day window to satisfy the concerns of the Public Service Commission, with a new deadline for review and approval set for August 26. The commission's hesitation emerged during a Thursday meeting, where Democratic Commissioner Peter Hubbard urged the Republican-led panel to formally object to the contract before its scheduled Friday effective date.