Data Center Signal is tracking 17 clips about Alabama Power data center developments across 2 states, including AL, GA.
U.S. Representative Terri Sewell is backing a moratorium on new AI data centers in Alabama. Concurrently, Alabama Power has joined the "Ratepayer Protection Pledge" to prevent data center costs from burdening customers. These developments highlight ongoing discussions about data center regulation and economic impact in the state.
Democratic PSC Place 2 candidate Sheila McNeil is calling for the Alabama Public Service Commission to implement stronger protections for ratepayers and communities when reviewing contracts between Alabama Power and large-load data centers. She advocates for transparency, community benefits, and regional planning, emphasizing that data centers should cover their own infrastructure costs. The PSC is currently accepting public comments on these review procedures.
The Alabama Public Service Commission is initiating a new proceeding to develop updated procedures and standards for electric-service contracts with large data centers. This aims to ensure that these contracts cover incremental costs and provide benefits to other Alabama Power customers, reflecting a new public-interest standard under state law Act 610. The move comes amid increasing scrutiny of data center energy demands across the state.
The Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) is aiming to regulate data centers within the state. This effort involves a "balancing act" to address the interests of both Alabama Power and its ratepayers regarding data center development and electricity usage.
Beacon Data Centers is proposing a $6 billion "Calvert Infrastructure Hub" data center campus on a 650-acre site in Calvert, Mobile County, Alabama. The project has drawn questions from residents regarding land use, utility access, and its overall impact on the rural community. Beacon is currently in the planning, engineering, and community engagement phases, addressing concerns about water use and environmental impact.
Stockton-area voters approved a zoning referendum, initiating a 180-day moratorium on new development in Planning District 3 and allowing for the drafting of new zoning rules. This action is a direct response to a proposed 4,500-acre solar farm by Silicon Ranch, which would supply power to a Meta data center. However, Baldwin County officials state the solar farm project has already secured permits and will proceed despite the vote.
Residents in Birmingham, Alabama are strongly opposing a new data center ordinance approved by the City Council. Concerns include the removal of public hearing triggers, inadequate setbacks, and potential impacts on noise and water. Speakers at the meeting accused the council of prioritizing developer interests over community well-being.
Cloverleaf Infrastructure is hosting an open house in Hayneville, Lowndes County, Alabama, to discuss its Project Red Clay data center plan. The company aims to address public opposition and misconceptions regarding the development, while opponents are encouraging residents to protest peacefully outside the event.
Birmingham's regional water utility board held a rate-setting workshop, deferring decisions on potential rate increases. The utility's CEO stated they have ample capacity and are actively promoting their ability to supply water to AI data centers, including a large, controversial project in Oxmoor Valley. They are also coordinating with Alabama Power.
AI data company Nebius has voluntarily dropped its lawsuit against the Birmingham Zoning Board. The lawsuit stemmed from confusion and denial surrounding a special exception request for power infrastructure for a data center project. This development comes amidst ongoing community pushback against data center construction in Alabama.
Digi Power X signed a $1.1 billion master services agreement with Cerebras Systems for its AI data center in Columbiana, Alabama, with plans to expand operations for a 2027 service start. However, the Columbiana City Council unanimously rejected a tax abatement proposal for the project. The community has previously expressed disapproval, leading to restrictions being placed on future data centers by the City Council.
Former Vice President Al Gore discussed the climate impact of artificial intelligence and data centers, noting the exponential increase in energy demand. He highlighted local opposition, such as to Project Marvel in Bessemer, Alabama, and the veto of a data center moratorium in Maine. Gore emphasized the need for policy changes to encourage renewable energy co-location and address governmental processes influenced by fossil fuel interests.
Southern Co., parent company of Georgia Power, reported a slight increase in profits for the first quarter of 2026, reaching $1.36 billion. This rise is largely attributed to the surge of energy-hungry data centers in Georgia and neighboring states. The company's earnings were up 1.65% compared to the same period last year.
The bureaucratic battle against the proposed Nebius AI data center in Birmingham's Oxmoor Valley has fizzled, as city officials determined Nebius does not need city approval for its power infrastructure due to zoning interpretations. Despite public opposition and a temporary city-wide moratorium on data centers, the Nebius project is exempt as it was already in the permitting process, clearing its path forward. Residents remain concerned about environmental impacts, electricity use, and noise pollution.
The Alabama legislature concluded its session, passing a utility regulation overhaul and a law directing the Public Service Commission to consider data center electricity costs on residential ratepayers. While a new "Sound Science" law faced criticism, citizen opposition successfully defeated a bill to end PSC elections, highlighting growing public engagement on energy and environmental issues, including the impacts of data centers like a proposed campus in Bessemer.
The City of Birmingham has clarified that critical infrastructure for Nebius's large AI factory project in Oxmoor Valley does not require special zoning approval, despite earlier confusion and community opposition. This decision allows the substation and switching station to proceed. Additionally, the Nebius project and a DC Blox expansion were deemed exempt from the city's data center moratorium due to prior application dates.
Birmingham's Zoning Board of Adjustment has recommended Nebius' request to build a substation for its proposed AI factory to the full city council, despite strong community opposition. The ZBA's recommendation comes with conditions, and they denied a separate request from Alabama Power for a switching station. Neighbors are concerned about power, water, noise, and environmental impacts.