The Georgia Public Service Commission has approved a contract between Georgia Power and OpenAI to power a massive new data center project in Effingham County.
Utility officials announced Wednesday that revenue from large-load contracts like this one will help lower power bills for typical residential customers by $180 annually beginning in 2029.
The approval comes under a regulatory framework established by the state to capture revenue from expanding data center operations.
Georgia Power projects that new large-load customers will generate approximately $950 million annually in incremental revenue, totaling $2.847 billion in customer savings from 2029 through 2031.
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The approval of the power plan for Project Camellia and OpenAI follows a base rate freeze approved by the PSC and enacted in July 2025, as well as a broader rate reduction plan approved in May.
Project Camellia is located in the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub in Effingham County.
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Under the agreement filed with the Georgia PSC, the facility will require 3,200 megawatts of electricity, to be delivered in phases.
OpenAI is paying the full cost of the infrastructure and electric service needed for the site, preventing existing residential ratepayers from subsidizing the project, per state regulations.
The agreement includes a load flexibility commitment where OpenAI will provide up to 1,000 megawatts of flexible demand response. This allows Georgia Power to curtail power delivered to the data center during periods of peak grid demand, reducing the need to invest in new power generation resources.
Aaron Mitchell, senior vice president of strategic growth for Georgia Power, highlighted the operational cooperation.
“We appreciate the leadership and thoughtfulness of the OpenAI team as they prepare to bring significant investment and cutting-edge technology to Georgia,” Mitchell said. “At Georgia Power, we are working every day to help ensure that growth from data centers and other large-energy users brings value for our customers through higher reliability and lower prices.”
The projected annual savings of $180 for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month represents an increase from the company’s December 2025 forecast of $102 per year. Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power, explained how incoming large-load projects impact local utility billing.
“We know every dollar counts and we know that in many parts of the country growth is pushing electric rates up. That is not happening in Georgia,” Greene said. “Data centers are paying more so families and small businesses can pay less and our goal with every contract we sign under this framework is to deliver value for them.”
Beyond energy commitments, OpenAI pledged $80 million in local community benefits over the lifespan of the project to support local schools, public safety, health care and infrastructure.
To address environmental considerations, the facility will use a closed-loop water system that recirculates water to minimize ongoing water consumption. State officials expressed support for the development approach.
“This is a historic investment and we applaud the ground up approach all the local partners are taking to this project!” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement.
Power delivery for Project Camellia will begin in phases starting in 2028 and extend through 2032.
An annual publicly available audit conducted by an independent firm will monitor OpenAI’s adherence to its community and operational commitments as development progresses, according to officials.
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