Boscola introduces consumer protection package for data centers

(The Center Square) – When it comes to the energy expenditure the state is expecting to absorb thanks to the massive growth of data centers, several plans have been floated.

They include tapping into the state’s natural gas reserves in the Marcellus shale, fast-tracking renewable energy projects, and negotiating with the state’s power suppliers and grid operators.

Slowing the expansion, it would seem, isn’t among the options. That’s why Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Bethlehem, is introducing a package of six bills to protect consumers from data center fallout.

“This package provides a balanced, reasonable framework to ensure that data center development does not raise electric bills or overwhelm local communities,” wrote Boscola in a memo introducing the package.

A key concern with onboarding new data centers onto the state’s power grid is the upgrades that are often required to sustain them. Just like other industries, when expenses go up, prices tend to follow with costs being passed on...