Georgia power grid expansion for AI data centers faces public opposition

Augusta, Georgia commissioners voted unanimously to extend the city’s moratorium on new data center developments by 60 days after residents warned that such facilities could raise water and energy costs and strain local infrastructure. The proposed ordinance, which would have set zoning, buffer, noise, lighting, emergency access, utility planning, storm‑water and environmental standards, was paused to allow further public feedback.

Separately, Georgia Power announced a plan to build more than 1,000 miles of transmission lines and add roughly 10 gigawatts of generation capacity to support the state’s growing AI data center demand. The Ashley Park‑Wansley transmission project would affect over 330 parcels across Fayette, Heard, Fulton and Coweta counties, with nearly 30 residential properties slated for eminent‑domain takeover. Residents have protested the displacement and the broader environmental impact of the grid expansion.