Delaware lawmakers pass new regulations for data centers
Delaware legislators have passed new regulations to manage the impact of data centers on the state's electric grid and increase transparency. While eight data centers exist, none are classified as "large-scale" under the new laws. Four proposed major data center projects are currently stalled due to regulatory hurdles and local opposition.
Delaware's General Assembly has passed several new pieces of legislation aimed at regulating data centers within the state. The new rules, which were the subject of passionate debate in Legislative Hall, address the impact of large-scale energy users like data centers on Delaware's electric grid and residential electricity rates.
One significant bill, sponsored by Rep. Deb Heffernan, will require large-scale energy users to provide their own energy within 10 years. Another, sponsored by Rep. Frank Burns, mandates separate electricity rates for these facilities to prevent increased costs for residents. Currently, the eight existing data centers in Delaware do not meet the 30 MW threshold to be classified as "large-scale" under this new legislation.
Additionally, a Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Nicole Poore, which passed the General Assembly and is headed to the governor's desk, aims to increase transparency by prohibiting data centers from entering into nondisclosure agreements with local governments. This measure is intended to give the public greater access to information regarding data center developments in their communities. Lawmakers, including Senator John "Jack" Walsh and Public Advocate Jameson Tweedy, debated the urgency of the new regulations, acknowledging four major proposed data center projects are stalled due to regulatory hurdles and local opposition.