Every time you text a friend, stream a show, make a purchase, schedule an appointment or check directions, a data center is working behind the scenes. These secure, high-tech facilities store and manage data, commonly referred to as “cloud” storage, and digitally power the information and activities we rely on every day, from email and e-commerce to navigation tools. Often referred to as the “brain” of the internet, data centers play a vital role in our connected world and support Georgia’s rapidly growing tech economy.

Union City residents will not see an increase in their electric bills because of the data center. Georgia Power and the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) have established new rules that require large-load users, like data centers, to fully cover the cost of their energy usage. State regulatory bodies have also adopted rules requiring data centers in Georgia to pay the costs for infrastructure upgrades that are attributed to their operations. In fact, these projects put “downward pressure” on residential rates by spreading fixed utility costs across more users.

The data center is responsible for its own water usage and costs. The proposed facility’s needs have been thoroughly evaluated through a multi-tiered utility coordination process involving local and regional providers. Based on projected demand and planning, water availability and pressure for Union City residents will not be affected, even during peak operations or drought conditions. Infrastructure assessments and water studies help ensure the needs of residents remain the top priority.

Georgia Power’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) includes major investments in new power generation and nearly 1,000 miles of transmission infrastructure to strengthen the state’s power grid. These improvements are designed to support both residential growth and large energy users like data centers, ensuring reliable service without adding strain to the system or causing additional blackouts. Importantly, data centers are required to fund the utility upgrades needed to serve their facilities, meaning these projects do not increase power costs or reduce reliability for local residents and businesses. Data centers must also install redundant power systems and backup supplies, further protecting surrounding communities from power disruptions.

A data center is essentially just a space for operating computer servers. They avoid using unsafe materials and rely solely on electricity for power and water for cooling. They produce minimal traffic and emissions compared to warehouses. And unlike other kinds of industrial sites, they don’t create ongoing pollution or mess.

Because of their critical role in the digital economy, data centers are also highly regulated facilities when it comes to safety and must meet rigorous international building, fire, and safety codes, and include features such as:

• 24/7 on-site security monitoring
• Redundant electrical systems to prevent surges or outages
• Advanced fire detection and suppression systems

Additionally, the proposed data center project must pass highly regulated environmental and safety reviews before any construction begins.

The data center development team is working closely with Union City leadership to minimize disruption. This includes phased construction schedules, designated working hours, traffic mitigation plans, and ongoing community updates.

Data centers generate long-term tax revenue that supports infrastructure, schools, emergency services, and maintenance without placing a high demand on city resources. This helps keep taxes stable, reduces the burden on residents, and strengthens the community’s financial resilience.

Modern data centers, like the one planned here, are engineered for quiet operation, maintaining sound levels around 50 to 60 decibels—about as quiet as a normal conversation at the property’s edge. The development will also meet Union City’s strict noise standards specifically designed for data centers.

The project will bring hundreds of construction jobs to the local community as well as 40–70 permanent jobs upon completion.

Environmental assessments are a required part of the data center development process. This includes evaluating the site’s impact on water use, land, wildlife, and noise and adhering to state and federal compliance standards.