Savannah residents voice concerns over Georgia Power’s ties to proposed OpenAI data center
Coastal Georgia residents, including those from Savannah, voiced significant environmental, health, and cost concerns at a public forum regarding a proposed OpenAI data center in Effingham County. The meeting, hosted by the Georgia Public Service Commission, addressed Georgia Power's role as the energy provider for the large-load commercial customer. Residents expressed distrust in officials and argued that the data center would worsen existing issues, despite Georgia Power's assurances that OpenAI would cover its own infrastructure costs.
Coastal Georgia residents, including those from Savannah, packed a public forum hosted by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to express strong environmental, health, and cost concerns. Their worries centered on a proposed OpenAI data center in Effingham County and its energy connection to Georgia Power.
Michael Hawthorne, a campaign organizing strategist with the Sierra Club, criticized officials for not listening to public input and urged a focus on affordable clean energy. Georgia Power representatives, including Joshua Peacock from corporate affairs, clarified the utility's role as strictly an energy provider to OpenAI, stating that OpenAI would fund its own infrastructure. Georgia Public Service Commission Vice Chairman Lauren "Bubba" McDonald acknowledged residents' concerns and mentioned the commission's existing rate freeze.