Google already has one data center in Georgia with another two on the way. In order to help facilitate this expansion, the tech giant is looking to boost our energy infrastructure.
On Monday, Georgia Power announced via press release an agreement with Google to support upgrades to portions of Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro and Plant Hatch in Baxley. Once the work is completed, it would increase the electric grid's power capacity by approximately 96 megawatts.
It involves work on turbines, pumps, motors, and other key equipment to produce more steam for the turbine generators. This generates more electricity with the existing reactor fuel design and plant infrastructure.
The plan establishes a new tariff that Google would subscribe to in exchange for
zero-emission credits. This would theoretically help decrease costs to the project and alleviate potential costs on customers. Georgia Power said it also would use federal and state tax credits and a pending loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to offset some of the upgrade costs, according to the AJC.
This is all subject approval by the Georgia Public Service Commission. Additional details on the plans can be found on the commission's website, specifically Docket 44280 and Docket 56002.
What is a data center?
A data center is essentially a facility of computers running software that stores and analyzes information. While today they are largely associated with AI, they have been around for years as part of Internet infrastructure.
But recently, companies have massively expanded their construction as part of a boom in AI. Communities have been very concerned about their impact on the environment, jobs, electricity costs, and other issues. Opponents are urging local leaders to stop them, slow down the expansion, or at least to put regulation and oversight on these projects.
According to the AJC, the Public Service Commission approved new rules last year for Georgia Power to ensure data centers pay their fair share to operate and so customers don't get stuck with additional costs. A pending contract with OpenAI (the company behind ChatGPT) drew scrutiny because its planned data center would be the top electricity user in Georgia. This led to Georgia Power increasing the amount it would offset its 2028 rates to $15 and agreeing that, if any data center operator terminates a contract early, other customers will not have to pay for that shortfall.
Data center near me
According to Data Center Map, between those completed and those in development, Georgia has 276 data centers on its books.
Google currently has one in Lithia Springs in the metro Atlanta area. There are two more planned: One in Columbia County and another in LaGrange.
Plant Vogtle jobs
There are currently four positions listed for Plant Vogtle, including a refueling supervisor, technician, engineer, and a shift support supervisor in-training/senior reactor operator. You can find them at southerncompany.jobs.
Georgia Power customer service
Georgia Power customers with questions/concerns can call 1-888-660-5890 Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A virtual chat is also available at customerservice2.southerncompany.com.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Georgia Power, Google to upgrade Plant Vogtle? What's happening
