North Carolina

Data center activity in North Carolina

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Regulatory Environment Score
B
+7 pts

North Carolina's regulatory environment is dominated by an exceptionally high volume of moratorium activity, with at least 59 moratoriums enacted and only 4 rejected, the second-highest enacted count among all states tracked. Despite this, zoning outcomes remain relatively favorable with at least 14 approvals against 3 denials, and at least 5 projects have been approved despite opposition with only 1 blocked. The contrast between intense moratorium adoption and comparatively smooth zoning and opposition outcomes suggests that moratoriums are being used as a pacing mechanism rather than a permanent barrier to development. At least 56 companies remain active, indicating sustained market confidence. Compared to neighboring Virginia, where zoning denials and project blockages are far more common, North Carolina's challenges are concentrated in the moratorium arena.

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Charlotte City Council pauses temporarily data center developments
News ClipWCCB Charlotte·Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC

Charlotte City Council pauses temporarily data center developments

Charlotte City Council has unanimously approved a 150-day moratorium on new data center developments, effective immediately. This decision allows city staff to research regulations and develop policies to protect residents and resources. The action was influenced by concerns raised after American Tower Corporation sought to rezone land for a data center near residential properties.

6/9/2026
Charlotte halts new data center construction, joining growing group in NC
News ClipHanford Sentinel·Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC

Charlotte halts new data center construction, joining growing group in NC$

The Charlotte City Council unanimously enacted a 150-day moratorium on new data center construction to study their impacts and consider future regulations. This decision follows months of public debate, a public hearing, and a petition opposing a specific data center project, with council members emphasizing the protection of neighborhoods. The moratorium will not affect already approved projects, and the state legislature is also considering new restrictions on data centers.

6/9/2026
Charlotte joins growing group in NC halting new data center construction
News ClipCharlotte Observer·Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC

Charlotte joins growing group in NC halting new data center construction

The Charlotte City Council unanimously voted to implement a 150-day moratorium on new data center construction after months of debate and public opposition. This pause allows the city to study the environmental impacts and consider future regulations for data center developments. Similar moratoriums have been enacted in other North Carolina communities due to resident concerns.

6/9/2026
Charlotte City Council approves 150-day moratorium on new data centers
News ClipWBTV·Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC

Charlotte City Council approves 150-day moratorium on new data centers

Charlotte City Council unanimously approved a 150-day moratorium on new data centers, citing concerns over rising electricity and water costs, noise, and potential environmental impacts. The temporary pause will allow council members to conduct further research and gather resident feedback, though it will not affect already approved projects.

6/9/2026
News ClipQueen City News·Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC

Charlotte approves data center moratorium$

The city of Charlotte has approved a moratorium on data center development. This decision indicates a temporary halt to new data center projects within the city's jurisdiction.

6/9/2026
Consumer advocates push NC state regulators to create separate rates for data centers
News ClipWFAE·NC

Consumer advocates push NC state regulators to create separate rates for data centers

Consumer advocates and North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson are urging state regulators to create separate, mandatory electricity rates for data centers and other large-load customers. This initiative aims to protect residential ratepayers from rising utility bills and the strain these energy-intensive businesses place on the power grid. The proposal is part of Duke Energy Carolinas' ongoing rate case, with a decision expected before January 1, 2027.

6/8/2026
Charlotte leaders weighing on potential pause to data center development
News ClipWSOC TV·Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC

Charlotte leaders weighing on potential pause to data center development

Charlotte city leaders are considering a 150-day moratorium on data center development, prompting concerns from the tech industry about hindering future projects. Councilwoman Victoria Watlington supports the pause to gather evidence but warns against freezing already permitted projects due to potential legal risks and costs to taxpayers. The state legislature recently passed the Rate Payer Protections Act, which imposes requirements on data centers for water recycling and power grid updates.

6/8/2026
News ClipWCNC·Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC

A look inside Uptown Charlotte's growing data center$

The article offers an inside look at a data center located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. It highlights the ongoing growth and development of this facility within the city's central business district.

6/8/2026