Conserve energy and hold PSC accountable
An recent article said the proliferation of data centers is worrisome. This is of concern for Georgians, as Georgia Power recently announced artificial intelligence-boosting data centers could triple the state’s energy demand and consumption over the next decade. It has already started: Georgia Power got approval in April to build three new gas and oil combustion units, increasing our rates and tariffs for decades to come.
This is worrisome for me and raises questions on how providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy can and will be achieved. Look at your next bill to see the 33% rate increase since 2023. Add in possibly overbuilding gas plants, with the costs of the plants and fuels getting passed directly to us.
We can act and make a difference by reducing our energy usage and installing home solar power. We can explore energy upgrades and take advantage of tax incentives and state rebates to make our homes more energy-efficient and comfortable. We can share and discuss within our communities how we can make this affordable and take ownership of our energy future.
The burden isn’t solely on us. The Public Service Commission should be held accountable. Speak out at public hearings against new rate increases and make your voice heard.
Now is the moment when we can decide, as Georgians, what kind of energy future we want.
JAY BASSETT, SNELLVILLE
AI will lead to higher power bills, more CO2 gas
Last year, more than 3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity were used to uncover a prime number. The energy consumed contributed to global warming, but the applications for that prime might make it worth it.
Artificial intelligence is even thirstier for electricity. There is no question that the new data centers proliferating in and around Atlanta will require additional power generation. These data centers are needed to support AI, and they will bring a rise in electricity rates as well as pump heat into the atmosphere. In addition, to meet the new demand, vast quantities of carbon dioxide greenhouse gases will be released. So, the prodigious use of AI will increase the need for air conditioning everywhere, even as it causes an increase in the cost per cooling degree for everyone.
Also, people will lose their jobs as businesses are eager to use AI to reduce labor costs. They won’t be able to pay bills and, eventually, the power company will cut off their service. Technology has a solution: they can do an AI-assisted search for the best accordion fan before their lights go out.
DEAN POIRIER, LILBURN
