Committee hears questions about electricity capacity, tariffs and rate impacts of data centers

Committee members asked whether hosting a large data center could raise residential electricity rates and what protections exist for local customers. Staff identified the applicable utilities (AEP and Hancock Wood Electric) and said developers typically negotiate capacity and infrastructure improvements with those providers; when utilities seek rate increases, the Public Utility Commission of Ohio reviews requests and may deny increases if costs are improperly allocated.

Staff said the draft code requires applicants to provide written documentation from the electrical utility confirming the ability to serve the project and to describe any required system improvements. "The planning commission shall not approve a data center unless it finds based on that documentation that it will not materially impair electric reliability, public safety, emergency services, surrounding properties, etcetera," staff said. Committee members urged residents to advocate with the state if they are concerned about rate impacts.