Utility experts told Cobb County commissioners this week that proposed data center regulations include specific protections to keep residents' electricity bills from rising because of data center operations, the Marietta Daily Journal reported on Oct. 15.

The experts also explained how newer cooling technologies are reducing data centers' water demands, according to the Journal. The testimony came as commissioners prepare for a final public hearing and vote on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at 100 Cherokee Street in Marietta.

The cost question matters for East Cobb residents who are Georgia Power and Cobb EMC customers. Statewide, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a $16 billion Georgia Power expansion in December 2025 to serve data centers, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. That deal requires Georgia Power to put at least $8.50 in "downward pressure" on a typical residential customer's monthly bill when new rates take effect between 2029 and 2031, according to the AJC. But PSC Commissioner Trokey said at the time that "there's no guarantee that bills will go down."

What the proposed rules require

Cobb County's code has never addressed data centers directly. Before the county imposed a moratorium, data centers were allowed by right in light and heavy industrial zones, meaning developers did not need county commission approval, the Journal previously reported.

The proposed amendments, which East Cobb News outlined in September, would require each data center to obtain a special land use permit from the Board of Commissioners. Other key provisions include:

  • Lot sizes between 5 and 30 acres
  • Power generated off-site
  • A "closed loop" water cooling system with no cooling water discharged into the county wastewater system except for routine maintenance
  • Noise limits of 65 decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night
  • Building heights capped at 50 feet
  • Setbacks of at least 200 feet from residential properties, churches, schools and daycares, and at least 50 feet from nonresidential property lines
  • Fully shielded exterior lighting
  • A decommissioning bond to ensure developers restore the land when operations end

Commissioners flagged gaps

During a Sept. 22 work session, commissioners voiced support for setting rules but raised concerns about the draft language. Commissioner JoAnn Birrell said data centers should be permitted only in heavy industrial zones, not light industrial zones as the draft allows. Commissioner Keli Gambrill said she wanted stronger protections for residential properties.

Chairwoman Lisa Cupid raised questions about nitrogen oxide emissions from backup generators, citing information from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Protection Division.

Jessica Guinn, Cobb County's community development director, said she planned to consult other communities with data center ordinances to address the emissions concerns, according to the Journal.

Statewide context

Data centers are largely unregulated at the state level. About 20 bills aimed at regulating the facilities were introduced during the 2026 legislative session, but none reached the governor's desk, Patch reported. The issue has become a factor in the governor's race.

No data centers have been formally proposed in unincorporated Cobb County, according to East Cobb News. The current moratorium on new data center applications expires Feb. 24, 2027.

The Oct. 27 hearing begins at 7 p.m. at the Board of Commissioners meeting room, 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta.