Board discusses Lisonbee contract assignment, notices and a Georgia Tech zoning study for data-center ordinances

Board staff provided an informational update on a customer contract described as part of a pending zoning hearing, noting that the contract could be modified and that the BLW would not be a political decision-maker on zoning. The board discussed assignment provisions in the contract, whether a successor could assume credit qualifications, and the continued requirement for a letter of credit or other security instrument in the event of assignment.

“Per this agreement, the letter of credit or the security instrument is one we approve in our sound business discretion,” a staff member said, adding that any assignment would need to continue to meet the letter-of-credit requirement. Board members noted the city council’s current moratorium on certain data-center zoning actions and discussed whether the utility should pause contract negotiations pending resolution of that moratorium.

Separately, board staff said Georgia Tech submitted a scope and fee to study ordinance options and provide recommendations for any required ordinance changes; the quoted cost was roughly $50,000 and staff estimated it could be reduced to about $40,000 by trimming scope. Board members asked staff to circulate the draft study scope and to coordinate with council as the process continues.