LENAWEE CO. — A new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists warns that big tech companies are driving up electric bills by shifting the cost of connecting massive data centers onto everyday customers.
The analysis focused on states in the PJM regional grid, which includes parts of Michigan. That means households in Lenawee County could eventually see higher utility bills if large data centers are connected here.
Recent proposals in Michigan show utilities preparing for data center loads equal to small cities, with connection costs ranging from $25 million to $100 million each. Under current rules, those costs are passed to ratepayers instead of the companies building the facilities.
State regulators are reviewing how to handle this issue.
For now, Lenawee County residents may be footing part of the bill if new projects move forward in Michigan.