Poll: We want data centers — we just want the operators to pay more for their energy use

Everyone knows data centers — which support AI and all those fun things we like to do on our phones — are huge users of energy.

Many blame data centers for the rise in energy costs (which is a too simplistic viewpoint).

But should the state limit their construction? An FDU Poll released this morning says, ‘No.’

Only 43 percent of voters overall support limits on the construction on data centers — a number driven by party lines (50 percent of Democrats support the idea but only 31 percent of Republicans).

Dan Cassino, a professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the executive director of the FDU Poll, said it may be an issue where the overall economy tops interest in an individual’s wallet.

“Restrictions on data centers raise the specter of a conflict between economic development and the environment,” he said. “Asking the state to forego new investment to keep down electricity costs seems like it’s a bridge too far for many voters on both sides of the aisle.”

What’s unclear is if the respondents understood that pushing data centers to other states, such as Pennsylvania, would still cost Jerseyans because we are part of a regional grid.

We bring this point up before addressing the next poll finding: Making data centers pay more for electricity was among the most popular of the six options offered to respondents: It had support from 68 percent of voters, including 77 percent of Democrats, and 56 percent of Republicans.

It’s unclear if the respondents understood raising the rates on data centers certainly would push more to open elsewhere — again, at no real savings to the state.

One other poll question had traction.

Sixty-one percent of voters say that there should be tighter regulations of power producers and distributors, with support being much higher among Democrats (79 percent) than Republicans (41 percent).

It’s unclear if respondents truly understood where the costs on their bill come from or how this would impact bills.

This much is clear: Respondents want action.

“Voters and politicians right now are flailing around for some way to fix energy prices,” Cassino said. “Just about every option has majority support, and the big message from voters is that they want Trenton to do something.”

Other BINJE stories on energy that may interest you:

• PSEG’s LaRossa: Current market rules are not capable of delivering power N.J. needs 
• Why ‘freezing’ energy bills won’t lower them in the long term – or solve the cost issue 
• Placing blame for increased energy costs is easy, owning up to their origin is not 
• Op-ed: State needs to take control of its energy future 
• BYOE: Is it time for big companies to bring their own energy