Alabama PSC Approves New Data Center Rules With Loophole

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The Alabama Public Service Commission has adopted new rules for data center projects requiring more disclosure and public votes. The new regulations mandate Alabama Power to reveal contract details such as company names and electricity use, with projects over 150 megawatts needing a commission vote. However, a 90-day approval default remains if no vote occurs, raising concerns. Critics highlight the lack of public hearings and warn the provision could weaken accountability. These changes follow a 2026 state law aimed at data center transparency and seek to balance oversight with project timelines. Disclosure: This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.

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00:00Alabama's new data center rules require public votes for projects using more than 150 megawatts

00:05of electricity. The Alabama Public Service Commission approved these rules Tuesday to

00:10increase transparency and public oversight. Alabama Power must now disclose contract details

00:16including the company name, location, and maximum electricity use. The commission and attorney

00:22general will review full contracts to ensure projects serve the public interest. PSC President

00:28Cynthia Lee Almond said the changes will fix current filings that hide important information,

00:33but a loophole remains. If the commission doesn't vote within 90 days, projects are approved by

00:39default. Critics say this weakens accountability and limits public input. The Southern Environmental

00:45Law Center called the default approval a setback for transparency. Still, Alabama Power says it will

00:51require data centers to cover all their costs. The new rules take effect after a rate schedule is set

00:57within 10 days. Disclosure. This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI

01:02by assisted tools.

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