OpenAI’s data center will need unprecedented power. What it means for Effingham County electric bills

OpenAI’s data center will need unprecedented power. What it means for Effingham County electric bills

Effingham County residents will not see higher Georgia Power bills because of the electricity and grid upgrades needed for OpenAI’s proposed $20 billion data center, according to a Georgia Public Service Commissioner.

In an exclusive one-on-one interview with WJCL 22, District 2 Commissioner Alicia Johnson explained what the power agreement approved by state regulators last week means for customers — and who will pay for the massive amount of electricity the project would require.

“You're talking 3,200 megawatts,” Johnson said. “The amount of power, and need for, for that particular center is more than we've ever seen in the history of our state.”

Under the agreement between OpenAI and Georgia Power, Johnson said OpenAI would be responsible for the cost of serving the facility, including the grid upgrades needed to deliver its power.

“So OpenAI, if Effingham goes through with this deal, would have to — and is — covering the entire cost,” Johnson said. “And it will not cost us, you and I who pay Georgia Power bills.”

The agreement also requires OpenAI to pay a minimum power bill, even if the data center ultimately uses less electricity than expected.