McNeil proposes regional data center accountability plan
PSC candidate Sheila McNeil has proposed an "Alabama Data Center Accountability Plan" to establish a regional approval process for large data centers in Alabama. The plan aims to prevent economic development from burdening ratepayers and infrastructure by requiring regional reviews and utility cost-allocation studies. It also seeks to create regional maps identifying appropriate areas for data center development based on resource availability.
Sheila McNeil, a Democratic candidate for Alabama Public Service Commission Place 2, has introduced a comprehensive "Alabama Data Center Accountability Plan" aimed at reforming the approval process for large data centers across the state. McNeil emphasized that while she supports investment and job creation, the current unchecked growth of energy-intensive industries risks burdening Alabama families and small businesses with increased costs for electricity, water, roads, and other essential infrastructure.
The proposed plan would leverage the state's existing Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) model to facilitate regional reviews of major data center developments. This review process would scrutinize the projects' demands on electricity, water, transportation, and other infrastructure, ensuring a coordinated approach across city and county lines. McNeil is advocating for a utility cost-allocation study for large projects to prevent residential and small-business customers from subsidizing infrastructure primarily needed by industrial loads.
Furthermore, McNeil's plan includes the creation of regional maps to identify suitable, conditional, or restricted areas for data center development based on resource availability. She stated that the proposal seeks to create a predictable and transparent process, making Alabama more competitive for investment while safeguarding its resources and ratepayers. McNeil also calls for performance-based economic incentives tied to actual capital investment, job creation, and community benefits.