General Assembly group seeks data center limits [Video]

A bipartisan bloc of legislators from across the state is pushing for state oversight on the so-far unregulated growth of energy-hungry data centers that they — and Dominion Energy — say are poised to drive up Virginians’ electricity bills.

The bills take a different approach from the several bills sidetracked last year, by outlining a state role, through rate regulation, permitting, tax incentives and data disclosure. Measures echoing the 2024 session’s effort to give localities more zoning control are also in the hopper this year.

“I think any ratepayer needs to be concerned about this issue,” said Del. Lee Ware, R-Powhatan, who dropped by a news conference to announce the package although he is not sponsoring any of the bills.

“I think this may be the most important issue this session,” he said.

Virginia has more data …