Cobb County commissioners are considering code amendments that would set rules for data center construction, and utility and water officials told the board this week that the facilities can be served without pushing costs onto existing customers. Board Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said residents have raised concerns about noise, water use and environmental effects.
The county imposed a six-month moratorium on new data center development in February 2026 and extended it for another six months in August, after commissioners said they had not made enough progress on standards.
Kevin Pearson, a regional executive at Georgia Power, described requirements the utility plans for large users. New customers drawing more than 100 megawatts would be asked to sign contracts of at least 15 years, with minimum bill charges and termination payments if they leave early. Pearson said the financial risk should rest with developers and hyperscalers rather than current customers. Tim Jarrell of Cobb EMC said the cooperative does not currently serve any data centers and has adopted three principles: reliable supply, no subsidies from existing members, and long-term commitments from large users.
Cole Blackwell, general manager of the Cobb-Marietta Water Authority, said water estimates for cooling have fallen sharply in three years. He cited a Switch facility in Bartow County whose projected use dropped from 3 million gallons a day to under 200,000, and a Douglas County site that uses a closed glycol loop and no on-site water. Alicia Givens, director of Cobb Water Systems, said data centers would pay for their own water service and infrastructure upgrades.
The board will hold its third and final public hearing on the proposed rules on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. in Marietta, then vote to approve or deny the amendments.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal -- https://mdjonline.com/news/local/cobb-weighs-data-center-rules-as-utility-experts-address-cost-water-concerns/article_54ae3953-89ed-452f-a5e7-9318ea6dd368.html