The Qualified Data Center Task Force Meeting convened on September 10, 2025, in Prince George's County, Maryland, to discuss critical aspects of data center development and its implications for the community. The meeting focused on two main components: public engagement and case studies of data center operations in various counties.
The first speaker emphasized the importance of public engagement meetings, which are designed to gather community input and inform the task force's recommendations. The speaker outlined plans to analyze five different counties to identify best practices in data center management and revenue generation. A key point raised was the need to compare tax structures across these locations to assess potential benefits for local companies.
Following this, Mark Scurano, a senior manager from Pepco, presented on the energy impacts of data centers. He provided an overview of Pepco's history and its role as a transmission and distribution company, emphasizing their commitment to reliable and safe electricity delivery. Scurano also addressed the current economic challenges, including inflation and supply-demand mismatches affecting electricity bills. He highlighted Pepco's establishment of a $50 million customer relief fund to assist households struggling with overdue bills, managed in partnership with the Salvation Army.
Scurano's presentation underscored the significance of data centers as large load customers and their implications for energy consumption in Prince George's County. He reiterated Pepco's dedication to sustainability and safety, ensuring that residents receive consistent power for their daily needs.
The meeting concluded with a call for further questions, indicating ongoing engagement with community members and stakeholders. The task force aims to synthesize the insights gained from public engagement and case studies to formulate actionable recommendations for the future of data centers in the region.