Legislation to stop Georgia Power from charging residential and small business customers for electricity costs related to data centers passed a state Senate committee on Tuesday. The bill is being championed in the Senate by Senator Chuck Hufstetler, a Republican from Rome.

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee voted 8-5 to send Senate Bill 34 to the Senate Rules Committee for a floor vote. This bill comes after six Georgia Power rate increases in less than two years, which raised costs by 37% for homeowners and small businesses. The rising demand from data centers is pushing the need for 3,300 megawatts of additional electricity capacity, greatly exceeding Georgia Power’s usual growth.

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that consumers should not bear these costs. While Georgia Power’s representative claimed new rules protect residential customers, some argued these rules have gaps and do not guarantee protection, stating that those causing the costs should be responsible for them. The bill faced some opposition regarding its limitations to Georgia Power only, and an amendment to include electric cooperatives failed.