Georgia Power clears deal to supply massive OpenAI data center

Georgia’s regulatory review process cleared Georgia Power’s agreement to supply electricity to OpenAI’s massive data center in Effingham County as residents voiced concerns about the negative impacts of the facility.

Georgia Public Service Commission staff reviewed the agreement, which calls for Georgia Power to supply 3,200 megawatts of electricity to Project Camellia that will be delivered in phases through 2032.

Because the staff did not object to the contract, it moved forward.

OpenAI predicts that Project Camellia will create thousands of construction and permanent jobs, provide $80 million in community benefits and generate millions in state and local taxes.

Effingham County officials say the data center will provide the opportunity to eliminate residential property taxes in the county.

Effingham County Commissioner Roger Burdette said at an information session on Aug. 26 that the data center was an opportunity to bring something different to the county while reaching the county’s property tax goal.

“This was an opportunity to take a look at the property, make a decision that made sense, to do something, in my opinion, of higher and better use,” Burdette said.

However, residents are not so sure. John Smith told GPB News that reducing property taxes would be a benefit, but the county may lose the reasons he bought his property five years ago.

“If this is not done right, we could see serious harm to many of our neighbors, which could include lower home values and, essentially, a lower quality of life,” he said. “This isn’t what I remember calling home.”

OpenAI says the project is a $20 billion investment, and Georgia Power claims that revenue from large load customers may save the typical residential customer around $15 per month starting in 2029.