SO · News · 20260804N

Regulatory Risk

SOUTHERN CO · 2026-08-04 · Importance 40 · Surprise 42 · In source text

Georgia’s Public Service Commission is reviewing the OpenAI–Georgia Power electricity contract for a proposed 3.2-GW data center in Effingham County. The review focuses on payment accountability and whether the agreement contains adequate protections against customers shifting infrastructure costs to other ratepayers. A commissioner also raised concerns that the contract lacks clean-energy provisions. The contract was expected to take effect on August 14, 2026, subject to the regulatory process.

Key facts

Impact estimates

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liabilitynegativecommittedThe Plant Bowen projects are supported by a $26.5 billion loan from the US Department of Energy (as reported).