Georgia business leaders spotlight data, electricity as drivers of economic growth
The rapid growth of data centers was front and center, signaling a shift in Georgia’s economic landscape.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Leaders from across Georgia gathered in Atlanta this week to discuss the state’s evolving energy sector, with a focus on how data is powering both the economy and daily life.
The rapid growth of data centers was front and center, signaling a shift in Georgia’s economic landscape. Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, moderated the event and underscored the changing drivers of the economy.
“All of us are plugging in more—our cars, every phone—we’re all using more data. Data centers are now driving a lot of economic growth in Georgia. The event today was to start that conversation and show the public that we are working together.” Clark said.
Kim Greene, President and CEO of Georgia Power, delivered a clear message to businesses looking to invest in the region:
“We are open for business.” She emphasized that there is still room for major manufacturers and companies in Georgia’s growing energy market. “We want to make sure that everybody recognizes that even though we are serving some of these larger customers, we are, we’ve got room for the large automobile manufacturers, or steel companies, or food manufacturers, or biochemical plants that want to come here,” stated Greene.
Clark also highlighted how large energy users, such as data centers and manufacturers, help keep utility costs down for everyone.
“Those big users pay their own way, and they pay so much it helps lower our bills. We’ve seen that with Georgia Power rate freezes.”
Annalisa Bloodwort, President and CEO of Oglethorpe Power Corporation, spoke about the benefits of a new facility in Monroe County saying in part, “The additional tax that will be generated, not just because of locating the plant there, but all of the natural gas sales that will go through that site to power that facility.”
Clark concluded that the integration of electricity and data is essential to Georgia’s future, as data centers and reliable energy infrastructure will underpin both economic growth and everyday life.
Event leaders also encouraged students to consider careers in the energy sector, calling it the future of Georgia.