Georgia is at the center of a new economic and technological revolution. As artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services grow at an unprecedented pace, our state is uniquely positioned to lead the way. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Apple are choosing Georgia as the home for their data centers— critical infrastructure that powers the digital economy. The decisions we make today will determine whether Georgia continues to attract investment, create jobs and maintain stable energy costs for families and businesses alike.
At the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), we’ve taken a bold and innovative approach to balancing economic growth with responsible energy planning. In fact, the PSC unanimously passed a new data center rule in January, which ensures that these large technology companies pay their fair share for the energy they consume while protecting Georgia’s ratepayers from rising utility costs.
This policy is not just about attracting investment— it’s about securing Georgia’s energy future and keeping our state the best place to do business.
Georgia’s economy has been booming for over a decade. For 12 straight years, we’ve been ranked the No. 1 state to do business. Our strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce development and energy production have created an environment where companies want to build and expand.
But with growth comes challenges. Data centers require enormous amounts of electricity— not just to power their servers but also to cool them. Last year, Georgia Power approached the PSC with a significant request: to provision up to 7,100 megawatts of new electric generation, transmission and distribution to meet the rising energy demand from data centers.
To put that into perspective, 7,100 megawatts is enough to power millions of homes. This is one of the largest energy expansions in Georgia’s history, and it represents a generational opportunity. However, instead of passing these costs onto everyday Georgians, we ensured that the companies benefiting from this expansion would foot the bill themselves.
Here’s how our data center rule works: Technology companies building data centers will cover 100 percent of the costs for new energy infrastructure, including generation, transmission and distribution. These companies must also lock in 15-year contracts with Georgia, ensuring long-term stability and consistent funding for these projects. Additionally, they will pay down the costs over time, which reduces the financial risk for utilities and ensures ratepayers aren’t saddled with construction debt.
This approach protects Georgia families and businesses from unnecessary rate hikes while allowing us to attract some of the most influential companies in the world. Other states force their residents to subsidize large corporate energy projects— not in Georgia.
The impact of this policy is already being felt. Amazon Web Services recently announced an $11 billion investment in Georgia, one of the largest single investments in our state’s history. Thanks to our pro-business, pro-ratepayer policies, we’re seeing unprecedented economic growth while keeping electricity rates in check.
Beyond securing private investment for new energy projects, the PSC has also worked to reduce energy costs for Georgia’s residents. The data center rule alone has already put downward pressure on Georgia Power customer rates, reducing monthly bills for ratepayers statewide.
Additionally, the tax cuts enacted by Gov. Brian Kemp and the Georgia Legislature last session further eased the financial burden on families. As a result, Georgia ratepayers are now paying less than they would have under traditional utility funding models. Further tax cuts are also being considered this session, which will help to reduce rates even more in the future.
Georgia is establishing itself as a national energy leader, advancing President Trump’s energy-first agenda. We’re proving it’s possible to expand energy infrastructure without burdening consumer and boosting both economic growth and energy independence.
Georgia isn’t just an economic powerhouse; we’re also at the forefront of energy innovation. Home to Plant Vogtle, the nation’s largest nuclear facility, Georgia provides clean, reliable and affordable power to millions. We’re also ranked among the top 10 states for solar energy investment, demonstrating our strong commitment to energy diversity. Additionally, we continue to lead in natural gas, one of the cleanest and most cost-effective energy sources available.
Unlike some in Washington, we understand that energy security is national security. A strong, independent energy system is essential for maintaining economic strength and protecting national interests. The policies we’ve implemented at the PSC, particularly the Data Center Rule, show that economic growth and consumer protection can go hand in hand. By attracting investment, expanding energy infrastructure, and keeping costs low, Georgia is setting the standard for how to build a sustainable and secure energy future.
As technology continues to evolve, we will stay ahead of the curve. Our state is proving that with smart policy, conservative leadership and an unwavering commitment to ratepayers, we can power the future without sacrificing affordability or security.
Tricia Pridemore is a Georgia Public Service commissioner and president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
