State planned ahead for data centers; families are better off for it
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Large energy users – including manufacturing facilities, industrial operations, or emerging sectors like data centers – can play an important role in a growing economy. The key is making sure that growth happens responsibly and does not shift costs or risks onto families and small businesses.
Florida has developed a straightforward solution to move the state’s economy forward by requiring growth to pay its own way.
Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed legislation requiring all of Florida’s regulated utilities to develop rate structures ensuring large-scale data centers bear their electric service costs and that risks are not passed on to other customers.
This is another great example of Florida getting things right.
At Florida Power & Light Company, we already put this principle into action with a large-load rate structure approved by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). Under this framework, companies connecting significant new demand to the grid are responsible for paying the costs associated with serving their projects, including 100 percent of any new power generation required to serve their needs.
This structure also includes strong protections – engineering reviews, financial collateral, minimum monthly payments, long-term commitments, and protections if a project shuts down early.
The goal is simple: make sure the cost stays with the company driving the demand, not with Florida families.
Just as important, this framework delivers real benefits to customers.
Our grid is built to reliably serve customers during peak demand and extreme weather, while also planning for continued growth. When a large customer connects to the system and uses power steadily, it will pay its costs and add significant revenue that helps cover fixed system costs. Over time, that creates downward pressure on rates while maintaining reliability and resilience.
By planning ahead and putting the right policies in place, Florida and the PSC have created a model that both protects customers and supports responsible economic growth. That’s how you build a stronger economy – while keeping energy reliable and affordable for the people who call Florida home.
Scott Bores is president of Florida Power & Light Company.
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