Charlotte city staff researching data center impacts

Charlotte City Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera has voiced significant concerns over the uncontrolled expansion of data centers in the city, describing the situation as the "wild west." She highlighted that these facilities are emerging in both commercial and residential zones, leading to a call for clear regulations. Ajmera specifically cited a proposal by American Tower Corporation to rezone 58 acres in East Charlotte for a data center, a site closely surrounded by homes and a park, as an example of problematic development. The councilwoman underscored the substantial resource demands of data centers, noting their potential to consume millions of gallons of water daily and as much electricity as thousands of homes. She stressed the necessity of regulations to safeguard water resources, particularly when residents are encouraged to conserve. Dr. Lauren Withycombe Keeler from Arizona State University supported these concerns, indicating that the energy requirements often mandate grid expansion, which could lead to increased utility rates for customers, referencing an upcoming rate hike hearing for Duke Energy. In response to these issues, Charlotte city staff have begun drafting new rules and regulations for data centers, a process anticipated to span up to six months and include consultation with other cities for best practices. Councilwoman Ajmera advocated for an immediate moratorium on approving new data centers during this research phase, emphasizing the need for "clear guardrails" to protect the community from unregulated development.