LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- State lawmakers say everyday customers shouldn’t have to pay for the power needs of large data centers.
A bill moving through the Kentucky legislature aims to make sure that doesn’t happen.
House Bill 593 cleared a committee vote this week. Supporters say the measure is about protecting families and small businesses from higher electric bills as more large data centers consider setting up shop in the state.
In some cases, new power lines or upgrades to the electric grid are needed to handle that demand.
Lawmakers backing the bill say those costs should be paid by the companies building the facilities, not by existing utility customers.
Under the proposal, a data center company would have to meet one of three requirements before connecting to the power grid to ensure it covers the cost of necessary upgrades.
The bill would also require a non-refundable application fee to cover a study of the facility’s electricity needs and grid upgrades.
The measure now heads to the full House for further consideration.
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