Georgia is in the middle of a quiet but profound transformation. Across the state, massive data centers are rising from former farmland and industrial corridors. These facilities power cloud storage, video streaming, cryptocurrency operations, and increasingly, artificial intelligence. And they are also becoming one of the largest new drivers of electricity demand in Georgia.

The rapid expansion has sparked a rare moment of bipartisan concern in the General Assembly. Lawmakers are debating a range of bills addressing data centers, including moratorium proposals, regulatory reforms, and changes to tax incentives. Among them is Senate Bill 34 (SB 34), which focuses on a deceptively simple but consequential question: who pays for the electricity infrastructure required to serve these facilities?

In the fall of 2025, the Georgia Public Service Commission approved Georgia Power’s latest Integrated Resource Plan, or IRP. The IRP is the utility’s long term roadmap for meeting projected electricity demand. It determines what kinds of power plants will be built, how much infrastructure will be added to the grid, and ultimately what customers will pay. This most recent plan was shaped heavily by one dominant factor: an unprecedented surge in projected electricity demand driven largely by data center expansion across the state.

Georgia Power told regulators that it expects rapid load growth in the coming years, much of it tied to new and proposed data centers. To meet that demand, the utility proposed adding thousands of megawatts of new generation. 

On March 4, 2025, members of the Encounter GA team joined fellow advocates from across the state for Capitol Conservation Day at the Georgia State Capitol—a day dedicated to speaking up for the protection of Georgia’s natural resources and the well-being of its communities.

Sponsored by the Georgia Water Coalition and supported by dozens of environmental organizations—including Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL)—Capitol Conservation Day brings together people of faith, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens to engage directly with lawmakers on critical environmental legislation.

We are thrilled to announce a positive step in the ongoing efforts to promote equitable energy practices in Georgia. On February 25, the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee approved Senate Bill 34 (SB 34) with an 8-5 vote, propelling the legislation to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.

Our dedicated Encounter GA team member, John Duke, of St John the Evangelist Catholic Parish in Hapeville, GA, delivered compelling public testimony during the committee hearing. John’s advocacy underscored the necessity of SB 34 in safeguarding consumers from unjust energy cost hikes. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to John for his witness to caring for creation and the poor - ensuring the burden of power bills are equitably distributed across our state.