In light of the increased attention surrounding data centers and other extraordinary large-loads, Cobb EMC’s Board of Directors has adopted a resolution that clearly defines Cobb EMC’s position. The guiding principle of this resolution is putting our members first. As a member-owned cooperative, our commitment is to continue providing reliable electric service while maintaining affordable rates for the members who depend on us every day.

Below is the resolution approved by the Board of Directors:

WHEREAS, Cobb EMC is a member-owned electric cooperative committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to its members;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors desires to establish policies to ensure that any extraordinary large-load request, such as a data center, is evaluated in a manner that protects members, preserves system reliability, and avoids shifting costs or risks onto the existing membership;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Cobb EMC shall evaluate any request for service from an extraordinary large-load project, such as a data center, only in accordance with the following guiding principles and policies:

1. Reliability for Existing Members First. Cobb EMC shall not proceed with any extraordinary large-load project that would weaken or compromise reliable service for existing Cobb EMC members.
2. No Cost Shifting. Existing members shall not subsidize an extraordinary large-load project. Any such project must make long-term commitments and provide financial assurances sufficient to ensure that the costs and risks of service are not shifted to existing Cobb EMC members.
3. Protection if Plans Change. If an extraordinary large-load project is delayed, canceled, or fails to meet its commitments, the project stakeholders shall be responsible for any resulting costs and not Cobb EMC nor its existing members.
4. Local Approval Required. Cobb EMC shall evaluate an extraordinary large-load project only after the project has received all required approvals from the appropriate local governmental body. Any such evaluation shall not constitute a commitment or guarantee of service.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Cobb EMC shall continue to make decisions regarding extraordinary large-load requests in a manner that places the interests of its members first and upholds its responsibility as a member-owned cooperative.