As data center development accelerates across Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro is making clear that growth cannot come at the expense of residents, writes Erin McCarthy for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
During his budget address, Shapiro introduced his proposed Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development standards. GRID would require data center developers to supply their own energy or pay for new power generation. The goal, he said, is to ensure homeowners aren’t left footing higher utility bills as energy-hungry facilities expand.
Data centers power cloud storage, artificial intelligence, and other digital services, but they also consume massive amounts of electricity and water. Studies have linked nearby development to rising electric bills, prompting state leaders to seek stronger protections for ratepayers.
In addition to GRID, Shapiro renewed calls for PJM to speed up new power generation and extend pricing safeguards. He also announced an energy-affordability watchdog to scrutinize utility rate hikes.
Lawmakers in Harrisburg are advancing additional measures aimed at preventing residents from subsidizing data center growth — underscoring a debate that’s increasingly playing out right here in Montco.
To learn more about Shapiro’s plans for data centers, visit The Philadelphia Inquirer.
