Story perspectives

Americans Overwhelmingly Oppose Data-Center Construction, Poll Finds

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 6:19 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Data center developers contracted 25 GW of electricity for half of 2026, about 5 % of U.S. output.
Data centers provide Loudoun County, Virginia $1.3 billion in annual property taxes, roughly $2,800 per resident.
Senator Elizabeth Warren noted a 267 % price jump near data centers, which analysts say does not raise residential bills.
Polls show over 60 % of Americans, including 47 % of Republicans, oppose data-center construction, prompting strategists to warn against support.

History

Historical Context

California deregulated its electricity market with AB 1890 in 1996, and by April 2000 wholesale prices had surged about 800 % as Enron manipulated the spot market, prompting blackouts and PG&E’s 2001 bankruptcy. The 2000-01 crisis showed how capped retail rates can strain grids, a lesson echoed today as Loudoun County data-center developers contract 25 GW for 2026, risking similar supply pressures.

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Story summary

Data center developers contracted 25 GW of electricity for half of 2026, about 5 % of U.S. output.
Data centers provide Loudoun County, Virginia $1.3 billion in annual property taxes, roughly $2,800 per resident.
Senator Elizabeth Warren noted a 267 % price jump near data centers, which analysts say does not raise residential bills.
Polls show over 60 % of Americans, including 47 % of Republicans, oppose data-center construction, prompting strategists to warn against support.

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