The Public Service Commission held a third public hearing Monday on Georgia Power’s integrated resource plan. WSB-TV reports the company is planning for the projected explosion of demand for energy over the next six years.
Georgia Power projects demand to increase by 8,200 megawatts by 2031. For comparison, the newly completed Plant Vogtle has a total generating capacity of approximately 4,800 megawatts.
Georgia Power said around 80% of the projected demand is from data centers. Concerns coming from consumer and environmental groups center around who’s paying for the costs and what are the environmental implications.
Although, Georgia Power and commissioners say that data centers will pay their fair share. New rules will allow them to charge data centers for the increased cost of infrastructure and energy. The commission is set to vote on the plan next month.
