Georgia House Approves Bill to Limit Data Center Costs for Residents

Critics say the legislation doesn't go far enough to protect consumers.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Georgia House has approved a bill, House Bill 1063, that aims to prevent residential and retail customers from bearing the costs of data centers. The bill requires electric utilities and new data centers to agree on contract terms that shield other power customers from the costs of data center construction and operation. While supporters say the bill will ensure families don't have to choose between keeping their lights on and putting food on the table, critics argue the legislation won't do enough to protect consumers.

Why it matters

Data centers, which house computer systems and associated components, can impose significant costs on local power grids and electricity customers. This bill is an attempt to ensure those costs are not passed on to residential and retail customers, who may already be struggling with high energy bills.

The details

House Bill 1063 requires electric utilities and new data centers to agree on contract terms that shield other power customers from the costs of data center construction and operation. The Public Service Commission, which regulates Georgia Power and other electricity providers, had already adopted similar rules last year, and the new bill would make those requirements permanent.

  • The Georgia House approved the bill on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Brad Thomas

A Republican state representative from Holly Springs, Georgia, who sponsored the bill.

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What they’re saying

“This bill is to ensure no family in the state should ever have to choose between keeping their lights on and keeping food on the table because someone else didn't pay their fair share. Data centers will pay their own way, period.”

— Brad Thomas, State Representative (wabe.org)

What’s next

The bill now moves to the Georgia Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation is an attempt to protect residential and retail customers from bearing the costs of data centers, which can impose significant burdens on local power grids. While supporters argue it will ensure families don't have to choose between basic necessities and high energy bills, critics say the bill doesn't go far enough in safeguarding consumers.