Data-center power plans face voter and regulatory scrutiny

Ballotpedia reported that voters favored limiting data-center development in 40 of 41 local ballot-measure contests on Nov. 3.[1] It said voters approved 27 measures that limited development or expressed opposition to it.[1] Ohio accounted for 21 of the local measures.[2] A CNBC Voter Poll found that 56% of voters considered data centers a crucial or major factor in their decision.[3] These results indicate voter concern, but the evidence does not establish that every measure had the same effect or that local votes directly determine state policy.

Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa pledged to halt all data-center approvals until the Legislature passes laws to protect Texans.[4] She won the governor’s race, and approvals could remain paused if she keeps her campaign promises.[4] The pledge does not itself change Texas law; implementation depends on executive action and legislation.[5] Her stated priorities include requiring operators to hire union workers, protecting community water supplies and stopping companies from using nondisclosure agreements.[4] Separately, Abbott halted new data-center grid connections on Aug. 3 and ordered an audit of power demand, environmental effects and developer tax breaks.[5]

ERCOT was tracking more than 400 GW of data-center projects seeking grid connections.[5] MLQ.ai counted 52 active Texas AI campuses with 44.4 GW of disclosed planned capacity, or 23.2% of its 191.6 GW nationwide total.[2] Of those Texas campuses, 16 representing 25.9 GW—58% of the state’s tracked capacity—list on-site or other non-utility-grid power.[2] These figures describe different measures: projects seeking grid connections and disclosed campus capacity. Duke Energy reported a 15.4-GW large-load pipeline, including 7.8 GW under signed agreements.[2]

Democrats won a 3-2 majority on Georgia’s Public Service Commission beginning in January, the party’s first control of the regulator in 30 years.[6] Georgia Power’s contract to serve a 3.2-GW OpenAI campus was approved with its public copy fully redacted.[2] Georgia Power promised other customers would not cover revenue shortfalls if OpenAI or another data-center customer ends its contract early.[2] OpenAI says it will pay the full cost of the electricity it uses and the infrastructure needed to serve it, and provide financial assurances before major spending if a project is delayed, reduced or canceled.[7] Its Georgia Power agreement also allows deliveries to be reduced by up to 1,000 MW during high demand.[7]