North Carolina lawmakers and state officials are advancing new electricity rules for large data centers as AI-driven demand strains the grid. The state's Energy Policy Council Load Growth Task Force met to examine options including a mandatory "large-load tariff," special rate classes, on-site power generation requirements, minimum monthly bills, and exit fees, WRAL reports. Duke Energy says data centers account for more than 85% of projected load growth from new economic development projects, according to WRAL. The NC House passed SB 730 (Ratepayer Protection Act) 69-44 in early June 2026, WRAL and NC Newsline report -- the bill targets facilities above 100 MW, mandates 15-year utility contracts, bans evaporative/open-loop cooling, and requires developers to cover grid upgrade costs; it now awaits Senate action. A parallel measure, HB 1063 (Ratepayer and Resource Protection Act), would require facilities above 40 MW to generate at least 25% of power on-site from clean energy. More than 20 data center announcements have landed since the start of 2025, and local governments across the state have enacted temporary moratoriums on new facilities, Carolina Public Press reports.
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