Georgia Power gets clearance to serve OpenAI's massive AI data center in Effingham County
Georgia Power has received state regulatory clearance to provide up to 3,200 megawatts of electricity to OpenAI's $20 billion Project Camellia AI data center in Effingham County. The agreement, reviewed by the Public Service Commission staff, is expected to generate significant revenue for Georgia Power, leading to estimated savings for residential customers. OpenAI has committed to covering infrastructure costs, reducing power use during peak demand, using a closed-loop water system, and providing independent environmental audits.
The Georgia Public Service Commission has cleared an agreement allowing Georgia Power to supply electricity to OpenAI's Project Camellia, a massive AI data center planned for Effingham County. The contract, which was reviewed by commission staff who declined to object, will provide up to 3,200 megawatts of power to OpenAI in phases from 2028 through 2032. OpenAI, which is investing $20 billion in the long-term project, will cover the full infrastructure costs and has agreed to allow Georgia Power to reduce its electricity use by up to 1,000 megawatts during periods of high grid demand.
Georgia Power anticipates significant financial benefits from this and other large customer agreements, projecting an increase in residential customer savings from a previous estimate of $102 to $180 annually starting in 2029. This is due to an estimated $950 million in additional yearly revenue from its growing base of data centers, manufacturers, and other large electricity users. OpenAI states that Project Camellia will create thousands of construction and permanent jobs, contribute $80 million in community benefits, and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in state and local taxes. The company also committed to using a closed-loop water system and providing annual independent audits of its environmental pledges.