Georgia Senate adjourned without voting on bill to make data centers pay their power costs, citing weak support.

Georgia’s Senate adjourned without voting on Senate Bill 34, which would have required data centers to cover their own power infrastructure costs, preventing utilities from passing those expenses to residential customers and small businesses. The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, aimed to address rising electricity bills—up $43 monthly on average since 2023—amid rapid data center growth tied to AI. Critics say the delay reflects weak Republican support and corporate lobbying, while consumer advocates argue a current state rule lacks legal enforceability. Georgia Power insists rates won’t rise, but lawmakers warn of regulatory loopholes. No timeline exists for a future vote.