Article

South Carolina's electric cooperatives have established a new rate for data centers and large power users needing 20 megawatts or more of electricity. The Central Electric Power Cooperative board approved this policy to protect everyday customers from subsidizing major corporations' energy costs.

The rate applies to both existing and new customers, with provisions for long-term commitments to help fund necessary grid upgrades. Currently, one data center operates under this cooperative, with three more in development under similar contracts. The policy aims to balance the benefits of data centers in enhancing grid efficiency while safeguarding the financial interests of cooperative members.