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House Bill 593 in Kentucky mandates that new data centers cover their own utility costs to avoid passing expenses onto existing customers. Filed by GOP Rep. Josh Bray, the bill requires large data centers to contract with public utilities for energy services, ensuring they pay for any related infrastructure.

The legislation addresses local concerns about zoning and environmental impacts, tying tax incentives to compliance with local regulations. A $75,000 application fee aims to filter serious proposals from speculative ones. The bill reflects the need to prioritize energy availability for advanced manufacturing over data center projects.