Georgia is inching closer to a "Bring Your Own New Clean Energy" model for data centers, potentially saving ratepayers from funding a $15B gas plant spree. (Canary Media)
The concept: The new program—playfully dubbed "BYONCE" by energy wonks—would allow tech giants to bypass the state’s monopoly utility and contract directly for their own solar, batteries, and firm clean power.
The idea: If tech giants can secure GWs of clean power on their own, Georgia Power won’t need to spend $15B on new gas plants justified by AI load forecasts that may or may not materialize.
The holdup: Tech giants are currently wrestling with the utility over capacity value, arguing their green projects should count as reliable power so they aren't double-billed for gas backup they don't actually need.