Google and Georgia Power Launch Data Center Energy Projects

Utility providers in Oklahoma and Georgia are launching large-scale energy projects to accommodate the power requirements of expanding data centers. In Oklahoma, Google reached an agreement with Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E) to power three planned data centers in Stillwater and Muskogee. Google will cover 100% of grid connection and contracted costs, with electricity demand expected to peak at 1.2 gigawatts by 2036. To offset this load, Google is constructing two solar farms. The deal, which includes minimum billing and exit penalties to protect residential rates, awaits approval from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

Simultaneously, Georgia Power broke ground at Plant Wansley on the border of Heard and Carroll Counties. The project consists of a 1,500-megawatt combined cycle natural gas plant and a 500-megawatt battery storage system, backed by $26.5 billion in federal loan guarantees from the U.S. Department of Energy. Georgia Power has already signed contracts for 9,500 megawatts, ensuring that large-load customers bear the infrastructure costs rather than residential ratepayers. The battery storage facility is scheduled to open in 2028, with the gas plant following in 2029.