Data centers questions and answers

Without a resolution, Oconee Planning Commission mulled over the extent to which, if any, county government should regulate the potential for a large AI (Artificial Intelligence) data center.  Planning commissioners last night received the report of their subcommittee.  They listened closely – and asked questions of two men who spoke during public comment of the meeting.  Richard Ellison told the commissioners that he operates a small data center on the 123 Seneca Bypass and urged them to not categorize data centers as a separate manufacturer.  Ellison believes there’s much wrong information circulating about data centers that have been likened as physical infrastructures of the internet. Tom Markovich, a home builder, said he has learned that state lawmakers are considering nine separate pieces of legislation that would govern large data centers across South Carolina. He thinks, at the local level, there’s benefit to compel a data center to meet an ordinance of standards.  While rising power bills and large use of water are concerns of many who view data centers the real worry, Markovich says, would be the heat they generate.