Resident urges performance bond for future data centers, warns of power-rate and transformer risks

Susan Warren, who gave her address as 5129 North Tubman Avenue, urged the Columbia County Board of Commissioners to amend the county’s data-center zoning ordinance to require a surety or performance bond to protect the county in future data-center developments. Warren said such a requirement would not apply retroactively to data centers already zoned but would protect the county from costs tied to transformer and generator shortages.

Warren cited broader utility and market concerns, asserting that Georgia Power’s allowed return and recent rate history could leave residents paying for new generation if projected data-center demand does not materialize. She said Georgia Power’s profit increased 22% to about $2.5 billion in 2024 and noted the company has filed cases this year to recover an underfunded storm reserve and fuel costs; she warned that if fuel-cost recovery projections fall short, residents could face higher bills. Warren also encouraged residents to vote in upcoming May elections, noting two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission will be decided on May 19.

Her comments asked the board to consider both ordinance changes requiring financial assurances for future data centers and the broader regulatory context that affects utility costs and energy infrastructure. No board action on the request was taken at the meeting.