How should data centers pay for the power they use?
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Sources
Data Center Dividends
Source ID: bpi-data-center-dividends
Author / publisher: Bitcoin Policy Institute
Source type: think_tank_report
Date: 2026-09-09
Original: https://www.btcpolicy.org/articles/data-center-dividends
Measure the benefit per resident
Source ID: reddit-net
Author / publisher: u/InspectionSlight3395 · r/technology
Source type: Reddit
Date: 3 months ago · exact date unverified
Stored excerpt: Every major AI data center proposal should be required to publish a per-resident net benefit audit.
Original: https://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/1tj46av/ai_data_centers_need_perresident_net_benefit/
QTS confirms plans for proposed data center campus in Bessemer
Source ID: fpc-3167da931d
Author / publisher: wbrc.com
Source type: news_report
Date: 2026-07-02
Original: https://www.wbrc.com/2026/07/02/qts-confirms-plans-proposed-data-center-campus-bessemer/
Fort Meade commissioners pass development agreement for data center, despite pushback from residents
Source ID: fpc-c02175b816
Author / publisher: baynews9.com
Source type: news_report
Date: 2026-04-15
Utilities and public authority
Source ID: 2097026058276987352
Author / publisher: Mark Cuban
Source type: X
Date: 2026-09-07
Stored excerpt: Because access to utilities and other requirements are controlled by government. And given the view of DCs, laws can be changed.
Original: https://x.com/mcuban/status/2097026058276987352
Investigating Data Center Development in Northern Virginia
Source ID: academic-gladstone-uva
Author / publisher: Gabriel Gladstone
Source type: undergraduate-thesis-related-research-paper
Document status: Undergraduate research paper
Date: 2025-03-18
Cedar Rapids City Council OKs amended QTS development agreement
Source ID: fpc-f77e71d7f7
Author / publisher: thegazette.com
Source type: news_report
Date: 2025-12-02
J5 development & utilities
Source ID: agreement-piqua
Author / publisher: City of Piqua
Source type: Agreements
Document status: City reports executed; scanned counterpart/addendum review pending
Original: https://piquaoh.org/DocumentCenter/View/3713/Development-Agreement-PDF
Timing of infrastructure finance
Source ID: reddit:t1_p8r0b7n
Author / publisher: u/Anustart15 · r/massachusetts
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-09
Stored excerpt: Which would be a great way to solve the problem if the prepaid their taxes before moving in so we could properly set up the infrastructure. Unfortunately, that's not how it works, so everyone would be fucked while we are waiting for the trickle of tax money to come in so we can start trying to set up the infrastructure while all the residents continue to get bent over by national grid and eversource
Building Community-First AI Infrastructure
Source ID: pub-microsoft-community-first
Author / publisher: Microsoft
Source type: corporate_statement
Date: 2026-01-13
Stored excerpt: We’ll pay our way to ensure our datacenters don’t increase your electricity prices.
Original: https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2026/01/13/community-first-ai-infrastructure/
State capacity and energy terms
Source ID: reddit:t1_p8qvk6q
Author / publisher: u/ahoypolloi_ · r/massachusetts
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-09
Stored excerpt: If data centers are so essential there’s no reason they can’t power their operations on only clean energy. Allowing them to pay to pollute in the face of the climate crisis is absolutely absurd. In fact, my executive order would say they need to develop 150% of their power needs through clean sources and all the surplus goes back to the town and ratepayers. Shifting the responsibility back to communities which are ill equipped to deal with deep pocketed tech companies is weak.
Supporting the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge: Google’s approach for responsible energy growth
Source ID: pub-google-energy-pledge
Author / publisher: Google
Source type: corporate_statement
Date: 2026-03-04
Stored excerpt: We will pay our own way (and protect ratepayers).
St. Louis board allows data center near Armory to move forward with new rules
Source ID: fpc-ee47f06289
Author / publisher: stlpr.org
Source type: news_report
Date: 2026-07-30
Amazon Supports Responsible Data Center Development
Source ID: pub-amazon-responsible-development
Author / publisher: Amazon
Source type: corporate_statement
Date: 2026-08-11
Original: https://press.aboutamazon.com/2026/8/amazon-supports-responsible-data-center-development
QTS Withdraws Supreme Court Appeal, Ending Proposed Digital Gateway Data Center Project
Source ID: fpc-fea0ac5ab7
Author / publisher: potomaclocal.com
Source type: news_report
Date: 2026-07-03
Changing security obligations
Source ID: 2097594604447318024
Author / publisher: SandhuJonathan
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-09
Stored excerpt: So the security must resize automatically, survive bankruptcy and transfer, and trigger reopening when those states change.
Original: https://x.com/SandhuJonathan/status/2097594604447318024
Palliser Grid
Source ID: agreement-palliser-cba
Author / publisher: www.vulcancounty.ab.ca
Source type: Agreements
Document status: Discussion draft, PDF pages 33–35
Original: https://www.vulcancounty.ab.ca/document/6505/
Comparable industrial demand
Source ID: reddit:t1_p8q1t85
Author / publisher: u/DomonicTortetti · r/massachusetts
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-09
Stored excerpt: If this was actually about the stated concerns, wouldn’t you also make the same order for similarly sized industrial projects that use similar amounts of electricity (steel mill, car factory, etc). The one saving grace here I guess is 25mW is a pretty large amount of electrical demand, so this shouldn’t kill smaller projects (like towns building small data centers to improve emergency response times, like in Cambridge).
How Meta’s Data Centers Support American Energy, Jobs, the Environment, and Local Communities
Source ID: pub-meta-community
Author / publisher: Meta
Source type: corporate_statement
Date: 2026-03-04
Microsoft data centers will use up to 8.4M gallons of water each year, records show
Source ID: fpc-63660aba8e
Author / publisher: wpr.org
Source type: news_report
Date: 2025-09-17
Original: https://www.wpr.org/news/microsoft-data-centers-8-million-gallons-water-each-year
Mecklenburg budget bottom line: ‘Doing so great’
Source ID: mecklenburg-dividend
Author / publisher: sovanow.com
Source type: news_report
Date: 2025-04-09
Original: https://www.sovanow.com/articles/mecklenburg-budget-bottom-line-doing-so-great/
Limits to compensation
Source ID: reddit:t1_p78zn7q
Author / publisher: u/BRICH999 · r/NoStupidQuestions
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-01
Stored excerpt: How much would you want for compensation for not having access to water? If i gave you a new paved road would you give up all access to water? If they built a hospital would you be ok with your electricity bill spiking by an unknown amount but at least 30% in the first year? If i made a sidewalk can I rev my truck out front of your house all day and night 365 days per year? See where this falls apart?
Stargate Community
Source ID: pub-openai-stargate-community
Author / publisher: OpenAI
Source type: corporate_statement
Date: 2026-01-20
Stored excerpt: Funding the incremental generation and grid upgrades our load requires
Original: https://openai.com/index/stargate-community/
Briefing 08/12/2026
Source ID: dcw-briefing-2026-08-12
Author / publisher: Data Center Watch / 10a Labs
Source type: research_firm_briefing
Date: Edition 2026-08-12
Original: https://datacenterwatch.substack.com/p/briefing-08122026
Negotiated public facilities
Source ID: reddit:t3_1w4o0em
Author / publisher: u/EveryDifference3393 · r/NoStupidQuestions
Source type: social-post
Date: 2026-09-01
Stored excerpt: like, they can build and they'll be green lit, if, they build a hospital, if they pave the roads, if they give funding to make cities more walkable, if they pay enough to eliminate certain taxes, they build a water treatment plant, and they build their own power plant, as well as contribute green energy to the grid.
Covering electricity price increases from our data centers
Source ID: pub-anthropic-electricity
Author / publisher: Anthropic
Source type: corporate_statement
Date: 2026-02-11
Stored excerpt: Cover grid infrastructure costs
Original: https://www.anthropic.com/news/covering-electricity-price-increases
Briefing 07/13/2026
Source ID: dcw-briefing-2026-07-13
Author / publisher: Data Center Watch / 10a Labs
Source type: research_firm_briefing
Date: Edition 2026-07-13
Original: https://datacenterwatch.substack.com/p/briefing-07132026
Local advisory capacity
Source ID: 2097465004261802371
Author / publisher: EdisonGPT
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: I have worked in the TX electric industry for over 20 years.
Original: https://x.com/EdisonGPT/status/2097465004261802371
Authorized versus paid incentives
Source ID: reddit:t3_1w4l76d
Author / publisher: u/Public_Finance_Guy · r/Utah
Source type: social-post
Date: 2026-09-01
Stored excerpt: Authorized is a different category than paid. 86 contracts were signed and never issued. Of the 237 the state reports on, 166 sit under 25% of their cap, meaning a lot of these deals don't end up paying out the full reimbursement. Why that is, I don't know. Utah publishes that data in 25-point buckets, so there is no public figure for how many dollars any individual company has actually received.
Original: https://www.reddit.com/r/Utah/comments/1w4l76d/utah_has_authorized_26_billion_in_business_tax/
Briefing 03/27/2026
Source ID: dcw-briefing-2026-03-27
Author / publisher: Data Center Watch / 10a Labs
Source type: research_firm_briefing
Date: Edition 2026-03-27
Original: https://www.datacenterwatch.org/newsletter/pwtb5jh5cf7emexbr41h0ym29ywax0
Local operating independence
Source ID: 2097452104633946493
Author / publisher: SandhuJonathan
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: Can local operators maintain, repair and reconfigure the capability without vendor permission?
Original: https://x.com/SandhuJonathan/status/2097452104633946493
Our Approach to Responsible Growth
Source ID: pub-vantage-responsible-growth
Author / publisher: Vantage Data Centers
Source type: corporate_statement
Date: 2026-03-26
Original: https://blog.vantage-dc.com/2026/03/26/our-approach-to-responsible-growth/
Briefing 02/20/2026
Source ID: dcw-briefing-2026-02-20
Author / publisher: Data Center Watch / 10a Labs
Source type: research_firm_briefing
Date: Edition 2026-02-20
Original: https://datacenterwatch.substack.com/p/briefing-02202026
Our U.S. community principles
Source ID: pub-equinix-community-principles
Author / publisher: Equinix
Source type: corporate_statement
Original: https://equinixtogether.com/community-principles/
Briefing 02/06/2026
Source ID: dcw-briefing-2026-02-06
Author / publisher: Data Center Watch / 10a Labs
Source type: research_firm_briefing
Date: Edition 2026-02-06
Original: https://datacenterwatch.substack.com/p/briefing-02062026
General Guidance
Source ID: doc-linked-01
Author / publisher: New Jersey Economic Development Authority
Source type: government-guidance
Document status: Municipal guidance
Original: https://www.njeda.gov/datacentergeneralguidance/
Briefing 01/16/2026
Source ID: dcw-briefing-2026-01-16
Author / publisher: Data Center Watch / 10a Labs
Source type: research_firm_briefing
Date: Edition 2026-01-16
Original: https://datacenterwatch.substack.com/p/briefing-01162026
Peanut Data Center
Source ID: agreement-chesterfield-peanut
Author / publisher: www.chesterfield.gov
Source type: Agreements
Document status: Government copy; handwritten date/signatures pending
Original: https://www.chesterfield.gov/DocumentCenter/View/48235/Peanut-Tax-Rate-and-Water-Agreement-PDF
Oracle AI Infrastructure in 2026 and Our Commitment to Local Communities
Source ID: pub-oracle-community-2026
Author / publisher: Oracle
Source type: corporate_statement
Date: 2026-01-26
Stored excerpt: Oracle is committed to paying our own way on energy
Briefing 12/19/2025
Source ID: dcw-briefing-2025-12-19
Author / publisher: Data Center Watch / 10a Labs
Source type: research_firm_briefing
Date: Edition 2025-12-19
Original: https://datacenterwatch.substack.com/p/briefing-12192025
Generator use on hot days
Source ID: 2097371517898158546
Author / publisher: devansky_jon
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: The grid is stressed on hot summer days, and utilities ask data centers to respond by starting emergency generators.
Original: https://x.com/devansky_jon/status/2097371517898158546
Air Data Center
Source ID: agreement-chesterfield-air
Author / publisher: Chesterfield County
Source type: Agreements
Document status: Signed agreement, June 30, 2025
Sky Data Center
Source ID: agreement-chesterfield-sky
Author / publisher: Chesterfield County
Source type: Agreements
Document status: Signed agreement, June 30, 2025
Statement of LIUNA General President Brent Booker on Responsible Data Center Development
Source ID: pub-liuna-responsible-development
Author / publisher: Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA)
Source type: labor_statement
Date: 2026-08-25
Oregon resource route
Source ID: 2097325918213869603
Author / publisher: DesignClimate
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: Check out resources assembled by the Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee.
Original: https://x.com/DesignClimate/status/2097325918213869603
Rapid power-load changes
Source ID: 2097322022556856722
Author / publisher: DesignClimate
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: Require DC to buffer its load to manage fault ride thru, training and inference load flux.
Original: https://x.com/DesignClimate/status/2097322022556856722
Cooling and indirect water demand
Source ID: reddit:t1_p1fn9l8
Author / publisher: u/ms_ashes · r/wisconsin
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-08-03
Stored excerpt: Closed loop cooling still uses water, just about 70% less. The antifreeze chemicals are added to the water. Closed-loop systems also use more electricity than evaporative cooling set-ups, which is the other issue. Depending on how the power is generated, there can be an increase in water use by the power plants used to generate the power.
Piedmont Environmental Council Launches Virginians for a Smarter Digital Future
Source ID: pub-pec-smarter-digital
Author / publisher: The Piedmont Environmental Council
Source type: community_statement
Date: 2025-08-18
Briefing 04/03/2025
Source ID: dcw-briefing-2025-04-03
Author / publisher: Data Center Watch / 10a Labs
Source type: research_firm_briefing
Date: Edition 2025-04-03
Original: https://www.datacenterwatch.org/newsletter/u2hem0d3zeqgwk8t1r302p5gl2dtgp
Resident cost exposure
Source ID: 2097162410905804866
Author / publisher: whoknows197563
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: the core issue is cost shifting and stranded costs with long term obligations on residents and utility capacity.
Original: https://x.com/whoknows197563/status/2097162410905804866
Jurisdiction-specific permitting
Source ID: reddit:t1_p0zwywt
Author / publisher: u/Agenda-Wire · r/datacenter
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-08-01
Stored excerpt: The municipality piece usually turns on the local zoning code, so there may not be a general answer. I’d first check whether the node is classified as accessory telecom equipment, data processing, or a separate utility or communications use. Then look for special-use permit, site-plan amendment, screening, generator, noise, and electrical-service requirements. What city is the site in, and what is the parcel’s zoning district? Those details would identify the permitted-use table, accessory-use section, and any planning or board agenda that controls. Without the jurisdiction and zoning, a confident yes or no would be guesswork.
AEP Ohio and Data Center Companies Announce Additional Bill Assistance Funding
Source ID: aep-ohio-bill-assistance-2026
Author / publisher: AEP Ohio
Source type: corporate_statement
Document status: Publisher reports contributions; household payments not verified
Date: 2026-08-18
Original: https://www.aepohio.com/company/news/view?releaseID=12181
Briefing 03/27/2025
Source ID: dcw-briefing-2025-03-27
Author / publisher: Data Center Watch / 10a Labs
Source type: research_firm_briefing
Date: Edition 2025-03-27
Original: https://www.datacenterwatch.org/newsletter/qg3zkco4q8lgdx3gmuwwh4gkb2ikxf
Understanding the Drivers of Rising Electricity Rates and the Role of Data Centers
Source ID: pub-dcc-e3-electricity
Author / publisher: Energy and Environmental Economics (E3); funded by Data Center Coalition
Source type: industry_analysis
Date: May 2026
Gotspace Groton
Source ID: agreement-groton-gotspace
Author / publisher: agendasuite.org
Source type: Agreements
Document status: Public draft in bundle; later minutes discuss prior signed agreement
Original: https://agendasuite.org/iip/groton/file/getfile/50835
Testing negotiating assumptions
Source ID: reddit:t1_p0wfaf2
Author / publisher: u/MaximumSeats · r/datacenter
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-07-31
Stored excerpt: How forthcoming did you find different developers on providing incentives to the community, vice wanting some for themselves? It seems to me like in the gold rush for power, land, and a willing community that a city could basically ask for anything from a Data Center and they would hand it over for the opportunity to build, but I don't know if that tracks with reality.
Briefing 03/06/2025
Source ID: dcw-briefing-2025-03-06
Author / publisher: Data Center Watch / 10a Labs
Source type: research_firm_briefing
Date: Edition 2025-03-06
Original: https://www.datacenterwatch.org/newsletter/blog-post-title-four-wt7sw
Household services
Source ID: 2097160679270551885
Author / publisher: WillLewis_1976
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: they need to sign a contract that gives every home in the town FREE internet
Original: https://x.com/WillLewis_1976/status/2097160679270551885
Briefing 02/27/2025
Source ID: dcw-briefing-2025-02-27
Author / publisher: Data Center Watch / 10a Labs
Source type: research_firm_briefing
Date: Edition 2025-02-27
Original: https://www.datacenterwatch.org/newsletter/1tb41cqde2x9ksm6c5656x98mg0tza
NE Edge Waterford
Source ID: agreement-waterford-needge
Author / publisher: www.waterfordct.gov
Source type: Agreements
Document status: Historical official scan; assignment and alleged termination need checking
Site evaluation experience
Source ID: reddit:t3_1vbjidk
Author / publisher: u/Immeticulous · r/datacenter
Source type: social-post
Date: 2026-07-31
Stored excerpt: I work in county-level economic development. Over the past few years, have evaluated data center sites, developers, and proposals as they were presented to my communities. My experience is on the front end of the process: site readiness, utilities, due diligence, local government coordination, incentives, infrastructure considerations, and helping determine whether a project is a good fit for the community. I’ve got projects to the finish line (with no luck) projects that didn't, and plenty of proposals that never made it past the evaluation stage.
Financial guarantee and tenant identity
Source ID: 2097156122427723845
Author / publisher: mcuban
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: A well-known tenant's name on a press release is not a guarantee. Name the guarantor, verify its financial condition, and require it to sign.
Original: https://x.com/mcuban/status/2097156122427723845
Cumulative grid effects
Source ID: reddit:t1_p05yu2u
Author / publisher: u/cavanags · r/BurlingtonON
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-07-27
Stored excerpt: I have no specific concerns with this one 20 MW Burlington data center. The issue will more likely be in aggregate as more and larger data centres show up.
Different computing densities
Source ID: reddit:t1_ozqtdiv
Author / publisher: u/Fortunato_NC · r/Georgia
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-07-25
Stored excerpt: I used to rent an entire 52U rack in a Peak 10 datacenter and they supplied me with two 20 amp 120V circuits for the entire rack. Compare that to a modern 8xB300 GPU based server that require three phase 415V power setups that would be the equivalent of pulling 125 amps of 120V (to be clear, no computer equipment exists that runs off 120V and pulls 125 amps continuously).
Electricity cost allocation
Source ID: 2097156116710818113
Author / publisher: mcuban
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: Who pays for infrastructure built to serve this project. Who pays if the project cancels, ramps slowly, or closes.
Original: https://x.com/mcuban/status/2097156116710818113
Tariffs For Large Load Customers
Source ID: pub-rmi-large-load-tariffs
Author / publisher: RMI
Source type: think_tank_report
Date: Updated September 1, 2026
Original: https://affordability-toolkit.rmi.org/policies/tariffs-for-large-load-customers
Demand response mechanism
Source ID: 2097156114362114482
Author / publisher: mcuban
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: Any demand-reduction commitment must specify the mechanism: computing stops, batteries discharge, or generators start. Those are three different outcomes for the neighborhood.
Original: https://x.com/mcuban/status/2097156114362114482
Extracting Profits from the Public: How Utility Ratepayers Are Paying for Big Tech’s Power
Source ID: pub-harvard-utility-costs
Author / publisher: Harvard Law School Environmental and Energy Law Program
Source type: university_report
Date: 2025-03-05
Goldin DeKalb
Source ID: agreement-dekalb-goldin
Author / publisher: www.cityofdekalb.com
Source type: Agreements
Document status: Signed amendment; adopted July 22, 2024
Distribution versus transmission charges
Source ID: reddit:t1_oyqnm6f
Author / publisher: u/FutureProg · r/BurlingtonON
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-07-20
Stored excerpt: Under the Ontario Energy Board’s Distribution System Code, if a local distributor such as Burlington Hydro must expand or reinforce its system to connect a customer, it must run an economic evaluation (DSC s. 3.2.1; Appendix B). The customer’s capital contribution equals the present-value shortfall between expansion costs and forecast distribution revenue (s. 3.2.4). The Offer to Connect must disclose any contribution and any expansion deposit (ss. 3.2.8–3.2.9, 3.2.20–3.2.23). That is how Ontario law requires a connecting load to make the distribution system whole. Transmission network costs and generation-adequacy costs are separate provincial frameworks.
Water metering
Source ID: 2097156110121566501
Author / publisher: mcuban
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: Require separate metering of major uses including cooling, independent verification of the water balance, published usage reports, and retained raw data for audit.
Original: https://x.com/mcuban/status/2097156110121566501
Microsoft Goodyear
Source ID: agreement-goodyear-microsoft
Author / publisher: public.destinyhosted.com
Source type: Agreements
Document status: The city agenda includes Resolution 2023-2323 for a fourth amendment. The full executed amendment chain still needs review.
Latency and site location
Source ID: reddit:t1_oypeti1
Author / publisher: u/irsyacton · r/BurlingtonON
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-07-20
Stored excerpt: There are limits to the latency acceptable between locations, and between different service providers. Latency goes up with distance. That’s why datacenters are typically within city limits. (I say this having deep experience with the issues that too much distance can cause). Not saying that all datacenters need to be close to people and peers, but just pointing out why they may choose to build in populated areas. Also, datacenters need access to the existing data cables and rights of way.
Scope of site review
Source ID: 2097156107986718922
Author / publisher: mcuban
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: Study the complete build-out — future phases, cooling equipment, generators, substations, transmission connections, water infrastructure — not the first building.
Original: https://x.com/mcuban/status/2097156107986718922
Independent review
Source ID: 2097156105537245361
Author / publisher: mcuban
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: The town selects the advisers, directs their work, and receives their conclusions. The developer funds the review and has no say in its findings.
Original: https://x.com/mcuban/status/2097156105537245361
Alternative land uses
Source ID: reddit:t1_oynt564
Author / publisher: u/AlternativeTimes · r/BurlingtonON
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-07-20
Stored excerpt: The last conversation for me is around land use. We only have so much land, is putting a building that nobody physically uses or is really employed by, the best decision for a piece of land? What else could be built here? How many other applicants to build here would really be interested? There are a few big restaurants in this section, they don't seem super busy, it's not a very diserable location. I don't think the city should blindly accept offers from tech overlords.
State & Regional Interventions
Source ID: pub-ai-now-state-toolkit
Author / publisher: AI Now Institute
Source type: think_tank_report
Original: https://datacenters.ainowinstitute.org/state/
Backup power and grid support
Source ID: reddit:t1_oymwwsa
Author / publisher: u/dbegbie124 · r/BurlingtonON
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-07-20
Stored excerpt: Battery storage would not be used to back feed the grid. It would only be used to ensure uptime of the building to a point where generators would kick in. I am Not against this btw. Just pointing out the document as a means of trying to address NIBYism. There are lots of Data centra already as everything typed, shared, bank transaction email and post (even this one) are sent through these buildings. It is with the rise of AI they are getting a bad reputation especially if they are water cooled.
Stipulation: New England Clean Energy Connect
Source ID: doc-remaining-47
Author / publisher: Central Maine Power and signatory parties in Maine PUC Docket 2017-00232
Source type: regulatory-stipulation
Document status: Stipulation; later disposition unverified
Date: 2019-02-21
Original: https://climate.law.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/CBAs/NECEC%20Stipulation.pdf
Water-meter comparisons
Source ID: reddit:t1_ov132xz
Author / publisher: u/HedrickForGarland · r/garland
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-07-02
Stored excerpt: The data centers we have are using closed loop cooling systems which don’t use evaporative cooling, and therefore don’t have high water usage. The irrigation meters they have use more water to irrigate the required landscaping that we mandate per code than their operations. Some residential users actually use more water than the data centers whenever they fill up their pools. The datacenters only have about 10 employees which use water to wash their hands and flush toilets with no showers.
Minimum grid purchases
Source ID: 2097078532526498046
Author / publisher: daringjacob007
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-07
Stored excerpt: Why not require them to produce their own power to minimize grid impacts?
Original: https://x.com/daringjacob007/status/2097078532526498046
Infrastructure and waste heat
Source ID: 2097068010032726232
Author / publisher: Online_Garbage
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-07
Stored excerpt: upgrades to the local electrical infrastructure, help provide funds for nuclear power plants, noise barriers, reuse of water, no subsidies
Original: https://x.com/Online_Garbage/status/2097068010032726232
Build timing and conditions
Source ID: reddit:t1_ot79823
Author / publisher: u/mischiefs_maker · r/wisconsin
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-06-22
Stored excerpt: Once the hype is died down, if they are still needed, they can abide by the regulations for better noise proofing/heat management, pay the increased electricity costs and/or fund green energy production, and make whatever profit they can at that point. If it's truly that ubiquitous and necessary, then they should have no problem building these out.
Disclosure and early departure
Source ID: 2097059365425447365
Author / publisher: AlignmentMythAI
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-07
Stored excerpt: First item of business would be to kill all NDA’s once land is controlled.
Original: https://x.com/AlignmentMythAI/status/2097059365425447365
Community Benefits Agreement
Source ID: doc-remaining-53
Author / publisher: City of Salem and Footprint Power Salem Harbor entities
Source type: community-benefits-agreement
Document status: Execution unverified
Date: 2014-12-16
Original: https://climate.law.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/CBAs/Salem%20Harbor.pdf
Shared negotiating expertise
Source ID: reddit:t3_1ucthyg
Author / publisher: u/Civic_Media · r/wisconsin
Source type: social-post
Date: 2026-06-22
Stored excerpt: State Senator Kelda Roys has proposed a statewide negotiating team — shared experts who level the playing field so any Wisconsin town, big or small, can land a deal that actually works for the people who live there. It's Kelda's idea — but we want to know what you think.
Original: https://www.reddit.com/r/wisconsin/comments/1ucthyg/should_wisconsin_have_a_data_center_negotiating/
Geography of electricity cost comparisons
Source ID: reddit:t1_opy9s57
Author / publisher: u/das_war_ein_Befehl · r/illinois
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-06-05
Stored excerpt: And the chart can’t say what you think it says. Grids are not isolated to each state, they go across multiple states. If load growth in one state bid up prices only in that state, sure, you’d expect a clean diagonal. But that’s not how the cost flows. A data center in Virginia raises the capacity price across all of PJM, so the cost lands on Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, not just Virginia. A state-by-state plot smears the effect off the high-growth dot and onto a dozen neighbors that don’t share its x-position.
Clause organization
Source ID: 2097044042672386261
Author / publisher: ArtificialUnAI
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-07
Stored excerpt: Index benefits to MW energized, not jobs. Claw back every PILOT if water/power/noise fail. Bond decommissioning at close. Ban NDAs on the CBA itself.
Original: https://x.com/ArtificialUnAI/status/2097044042672386261
Armory Innovation Data Center Project: Summary of CBA Provisions
Source ID: doc-stl-document-2
Author / publisher: City of St. Louis
Source type: proposed-cba-terms-summary
Document status: Future CBA term summary
Original: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/mayor/documents/upload/CBA-provisions.pdf
Capacity and equipment lead times
Source ID: reddit:t1_opy3u2v
Author / publisher: u/das_war_ein_Befehl · r/illinois
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-06-05
Stored excerpt: Data centers increase costs because the U.S. had flat electricity consumption for 20 years and the grid had little slack capacity. When you add a large power consumer it then bids up the price for everyone else. And the machinery/equipment needed to build out more capacity takes years to wait/manufacture.
Large customers and infrastructure revenue
Source ID: reddit:t1_opxkmia
Author / publisher: u/Varnu · r/illinois
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-06-05
Stored excerpt: Power suppliers love having a customer who is doing constant and significant spending. That means they can add infrastructure and supply without having to increase rates--and infrastructure and distribution is often where most of the cost of our bill comes from.
Siting and rate proceedings
Source ID: 2097033707844522007
Author / publisher: whoknows197563
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-09-07
Stored excerpt: The Commission declined to decide that in the siting case, saying cost allocation belonged in a rate proceeding.
Original: https://x.com/whoknows197563/status/2097033707844522007
Conditional support
Source ID: reddit:t1_op5p5r0
Author / publisher: u/c3rbutt · r/BeaverCounty
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-06-01
Stored excerpt: If they can * Guarantee no tax incentives for Switch * Guarantee contributions by Switch to energy grid maintenance costs * Guarantee contributions by Switch to water infrastructure maintenance costs * Guarantee noise level limits with enforceable penalties that actually hurt Then this could be a big win for the county.
Costs after permit termination
Source ID: reddit:t1_ohp1i5e
Author / publisher: u/garbageprimate · r/StLouis
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-04-22
Stored excerpt: and if they get shut down, what happens with all the costs associated with increased water/electricity infrastructure that would be built to support hyperscale data centers? it's a high possibility these costs are then passed down to average citizens in a major way. i suppose you can say another developer might want to move in to replace those kicked out, but it would seem they might be wary (given the city kicked out the previous tenant) and have some leverage in negotiating in that kind of case.
Original: https://www.reddit.com/r/StLouis/comments/1srzqt7/data_center_terms/ohp1i5e/
Project Blue FAQ
Source ID: fpc-4400c863a4
Author / publisher: Pima County
Source type: government_source_directory
Original: https://www.pima.gov/3552/Project-Blue-FAQ
Unknown operating load
Source ID: reddit:t1_ohm2djd
Author / publisher: u/bboru84 · r/StLouis
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-04-22
Stored excerpt: What is the known impact to the electrical grid? If the site cannot rely on generators, does Ameren currently have capacity to support their kW consumption? Because it's going to be a shell, do we even know what kW potential it's being built/designed to support?
Original: https://www.reddit.com/r/StLouis/comments/1srzqt7/data_center_terms/ohm2djd/
Tax Abatements
Source ID: fpc-e28df53dfc
Author / publisher: City of Abilene
Source type: government_source_directory
Original: https://abilenetx.gov/2476/Tax-Abatements
Project conditions and general ordinances
Source ID: reddit:t1_ohlslzv
Author / publisher: u/62Bricks · r/StLouis
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-04-22
Stored excerpt: This is a one-off deal. The city needs ordinances that put all of these requirements on all proposed data centers
Original: https://www.reddit.com/r/StLouis/comments/1srzqt7/data_center_terms/ohlslzv/
Fort Meade LLC: Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption
Source ID: fpc-05f9c2fcac
Author / publisher: Polk County
Source type: public_document
Document status: Ordinance agenda copy
Date: 2025-10-24
Original: https://polkcountyfl.legistar1.com/polkcountyfl/attachments/ac02059f-2c47-47c8-bede-7d33fab30048.pdf
High Quality Jobs Program: Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 68
Source ID: fpc-1f5a77dcc9
Author / publisher: Iowa Legislature
Source type: public_document
Document status: Administrative rules
Original: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/chapter/01-07-2026.261.68.pdf
Community Benefit Agreement
Source ID: doc-remaining-41
Author / publisher: Monhegan Plantation; Monhegan Plantation Power District; Maine Aqua Ventus 1 GP; University of Maine System
Source type: community-benefit-agreement
Document status: Blank execution date
Original: https://climate.law.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/CBAs/Monhegan%20-%20Aqua%20Ventus.pdf
Order U-37425: Entergy generation and transmission resources
Source ID: fpc-f31f0d705f
Author / publisher: Louisiana Public Service Commission
Source type: public_document
Document status: Commission order
Date: 2025-08-20
Original: https://lpscpubvalence.lpsc.louisiana.gov/portal/PSC/ViewFile?fileId=nDWn/juc2+A%3D
Community Benefits Agreement Template
Source ID: doc-linked-29
Author / publisher: NAACP
Source type: agreement-template
Document status: Template
Armory Innovation Data Center: Project Conditions, Components and Benefits
Source ID: fpc-0aef22a8d8
Author / publisher: City of St. Louis
Source type: public_document
Document status: City project detail sheet
AEP Ohio Schedule DCT: Data Center Tariff
Source ID: fpc-6cf83cc51c
Author / publisher: AEP Ohio
Source type: public_document
Document status: Compliance filing
Date: 2025-07-11
Original: https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/modified-tariff-data-centers.pdf
Fiber connections and demand
Source ID: reddit:t1_o095wp5
Author / publisher: u/infinitewindow · r/Chattanooga
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-01-18
Stored excerpt: Without fiber links, data centers won’t land clients; without potential clients, fiber won’t be laid Something has to change here before the kind of data center most people have in their heads can have a chance here
Prince William Digital Gateway: Court of Appeals opinion
Source ID: fpc-bf99e65d40
Author / publisher: Court of Appeals of Virginia
Source type: public_document
Document status: Published opinion
Date: 2026-03-31
Original: https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opncavwp/1584254.pdf
$64 billion of data center projects have been blocked or delayed amid local opposition
Source ID: dcw-report-2024-2025
Author / publisher: Data Center Watch / 10a Labs
Source type: research_firm_report
Document status: Public report
Date: Covers May 2024–March 2025
Original: https://www.datacenterwatch.org/report
H1180: Data Center Amendments
Source ID: bill-nc-h1180-2025-2026
Author / publisher: North Carolina General Assembly
Source type: legislative_proposal
Document status: Legislative proposal · First edition
Date: May 4, 2026
Original: https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H1180v1.pdf
Scale of the proposed facility
Source ID: reddit:t1_o04ehdo
Author / publisher: u/PastVeterinarian1097 · r/Chattanooga
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2026-01-17
Stored excerpt: It’s important to distinguish this project from the massive 'hyperscale' data centers you see in the news. This is essentially a high-powered computer lab; it fits within the existing building footprint and won't require new power grids or infrastructure. The 'data center' label is a bit of an overstatement to make the project sound more prestigious than it actually is.
Enact the Responsible Water Use by Data Centers Act
Source ID: bill-oh-sb378-136-introduced
Author / publisher: Ohio General Assembly
Source type: legislative_proposal
Document status: Legislative proposal · Introduced
Date: Ohio SB378 · Introduced March 16, 2026
Stored excerpt: Each permittee shall submit to the chief an annual report
Original: https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/sb378/00_IN/pdf/
"The Data Center Transparency Act"; enact
Source ID: bill-ga-sb421-2025-2026-introduced
Author / publisher: Georgia General Assembly
Source type: legislative_proposal
Document status: Legislative proposal · Introduced
Date: Georgia SB421 · Introduced January 22, 2026
Stored excerpt: information related to the electricity usage or water usage, either consumptive or nonconsumptive
Original: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/240138
Tax increment financing and utility works
Source ID: reddit:t1_nqd45dl
Author / publisher: u/Due-Zucchini-1566 · r/kansascity
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2025-11-23
Stored excerpt: Tac incremental financing is used towards utility improvements that we all benefit from and limit the obligation of the taxpayer to foot the bill for repairing and maintaining aging infrastructure. That piece gets lost in translation as the utility upgrades required are generally above and beyond the incremental financing offered. I'm not saying that these are good projects because the demand will result in increasing rates for everyone of all utilities as demand outstrips supply, but it's not free money given to developers. There's truly a community benefit being offered.
Executive Order 658: Responsible Data Center Development and Operations in Massachusetts
Source ID: ma-executive-order-658-2026
Author / publisher: Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Source type: government_order
Document status: Executive order; further agency rules and protocols directed
Date: 2026-09-08
Stored excerpt: submitted a community benefits agreement with key stakeholders
Existing industrial utilities
Source ID: reddit:t1_nprnd9e
Author / publisher: u/metengrinwi · r/wisconsin
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2025-11-20
Stored excerpt: Power and water infrastructure are another good reason to re-use existing empty factories—they will by definition already have industrial power and water facilities.
PHX 10–11 Infrastructure Development Agreement: First Amendment
Source ID: fpc-3528d1fd62
Author / publisher: City of Goodyear
Source type: public_document
Document status: Resolution and amendment
Date: 2020-07-06
Original: https://legistar.granicus.com/Goodyear/attachments/c62e6e50-547f-4502-810e-189214e86da3.pdf
Stormwater and wastewater regulation
Source ID: reddit:t1_nppdp7d
Author / publisher: u/Level2intern · r/wisconsin
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2025-11-19
Stored excerpt: Why do you think this data center would pollute water? Would it not be subject to the same rigorous stormwater management practices as any other industrial developments? I assume they have municipal wastewater and not some private on-site wastewater treatment system. The old water cooled data centers on private wells are problematic. But the newer ones don't use nearly as much water. I just dont understand these perspectives. I work in public utilities and our data centers are not a problem.
Houghton Data Center Project: Memorandum of Agreement
Source ID: fpc-4832fd3a85
Author / publisher: Pima County
Source type: public_document
Document status: Agenda attachment; unsigned form
Date: 2025-12-16
Original: https://pima.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15028221&GUID=E5EA6EE3-DB51-4208-9E3D-3BB4A42A4B8E
Public access to subsidized projects
Source ID: reddit:t1_nc4lzqx
Author / publisher: u/Looeyville · r/Louisville
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2025-09-03
Stored excerpt: Any project that will take direct taxpayer dollars, or perhaps will impact utility prices, should return something tangible to those who are investing in their success.
Evidence behind promised jobs
Source ID: reddit:t1_nbogdji
Author / publisher: u/8Bitsblu · r/Louisville
Source type: social-reply
Date: 2025-08-31
Stored excerpt: New tech jobs like what? How long will these jobs be needed? When they aren't needed anymore, what (if anything) will replace them? Do these jobs *have* to be located in Louisville, or can they be made remote?