Are data centers making my electricity bill go up?
No. Large energy users like data centers pay upfront for the local infrastructure they need and commit to long-term contracts with collateral requirements, minimum bills, and termination payments, which ensure that large load customers cover the full cost of service. This structure helps keep base rates stable, and protects residential and small business customers from subsidizing large users.
What does this mean for you?
Residential customers
are not subsidizing data center growth.Under the revised Rules & Regulations, large energy users such as data centers pay the full costs to serve them.
We will file our next base rate case in 2028 and incremental revenue from large energy users such as data centers will provide benefits equivalent to approximately $102 per year in savings for the typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month.
Long-term planning ensures reliability as Georgia grows.
Infrastructure built for data centers strengthens the grid for entire regions.
Data Center Questions & Answers
Affordability & Rates
Will data centers make my electricity bill go up?
No. Under the revised Rules & Regulations, large energy users such as data centers pay the full costs to serve them. The new rules allow us to require longer contract terms, minimum bills, financial security provisions, and termination payments for large load customers. In addition, these users must pay local infrastructure costs upfront. This structure helps keep base rates stable and protects residential customers from higher expenses.
Do data centers get discounted electricity?
No. Data centers pay rates designed to cover the full cost of service, including infrastructure, operations, and long-term risk. This ensures everyday customers are not subsidizing large users like data centers.
Why do data centers pay more for energy?
Rates are fair and depend on consumption, demand, and infrastructure needs. We offer multiple rate options for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Data centers pay more due to their higher energy use and specialized service requirements.
Grid Reliability & Power Supply
How will data centers enhance Georgia’s electric grid?
Data centers and other large load customers generally require area system upgrades that benefit the entire region through improved system reliability, resiliency, and efficiency. As Georgia continues its extraordinary growth and energy needs increase, these investments—including more than 1,000 miles of new transmission lines over the next decade—will help keep the state competitive, connected, and resilient.
Will our grid remain reliable?
Georgia Power continually invests in and upgrades the electrical grid—over $10 billion in the last decade—to enhance reliability and minimize outages. As Georgia grows, ongoing investments are essential to keep the grid efficient, resilient, and able to meet increasing energy needs. These investments, approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission, help us respond quickly to major events like Hurricane Helene and Winter Storm Cora, minimizing outages and restoring power rapidly. The bottom line is that data centers and other large load customers will not cause our customers’ reliability to erode nor will our ability to restore in times of need be compromised.
How will data centers impact customer experience?
Data centers and other large energy users are served by dedicated infrastructure, so they do not strain the local systems that serve residential and small business customers. Reliability and response times for our customers will not be compromised by the presence of data centers. With over 2.8 million customers—primarily residential and small businesses—Georgia Power remains committed to maintaining reliable service for all customers.
How does Georgia Power plan to accommodate the growth from data centers?
The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) guides investments in generation and transmission to meet forecasted energy demand, thus ensuring reliable service for all customers. Over the next 10 years, we have proposed building more than 1,000 miles of new transmission lines to improve efficiency and resiliency and serve a growing state.
Will data centers cause an increased risk of blackouts?
No. The presence of data centers will not cause an increased risk of blackouts. We set clear rules and technical requirements for these customers to protect grid reliability and existing customers from added costs.
Do data centers get power priority over homes and small businesses?
No. Georgia Power does not prioritize one class of customer over another. Investments are made to ensure that all customers—residential, small businesses, commercial and industrial—are reliably served.
Will data centers have power restored first following a storm or major event?
No. Data centers are not prioritized above other customers.
Following major storms or an event with widespread power outages, our restoration efforts prioritize:
Transmission system stability
Hospitals and other emergency services
Water and sewage facilities
Restoring the greatest number of impacted customers
Will there be enough power to serve growing residential communities if we bring more data centers to Georgia?
Yes. Georgia Power invests in the grid and generation facilities based on 20-year demand forecasts for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. This ensures we can reliably serve everyone. This planning process is designed to serve all Georgians reliably.
Environmental & Health Concerns
How does Georgia Power address environmental impacts during construction and operation of transmission projects?
Georgia Power evaluates transmission projects for effects on streams, wetlands, wildlife, historical sites, and topography, complying with all applicable environmental regulations. Tree removal for powerlines causes limited, temporary disruption to forest wildlife, but new vegetation in rights-of-way can enhance habitats.
Are there health risks or safety concerns from living near substations or power lines?
Decades of research show no link between living near substations or power lines and disease. Our power lines meet national safety standards.
Why aren’t transmission lines placed underground, and is there noise associated with substations or power lines?
Underground lines are more costly, complex and disruptive to install, require longer construction and repair times, and specialized resources.
Economic & Community Benefits
How do data centers impact Georgia’s economy?
Data centers contribute to Georgia’s economy primarily through tax revenue, capital investment and infrastructure improvements. While manufacturing remains the leading sector for job creation, data centers support the digital infrastructure that many industries rely on. Investments from large energy users, including data centers, can assist with long-term planning and rate stability.
How do data centers support energy affordability programs?
Major technology companies operating data centers in Georgia have contributed to our Energy Efficiency Programs that help low-income households reduce energy costs.
Sustainability & Energy Transition
Is the data center industry investing in clean energy?
Yes. Data centers account for roughly half of U.S. corporate clean energy procurement. Georgia Power continues to expand renewable energy, battery storage, and grid modernization to support growth sustainably.
