I have concerns about the stress these data centers are going to put on the electric grid.

I have wondered if they were required to develop their own and support their own energy sources, if it would slow down building of these centers.  

It's not about whether I want them, or don't want them.  They are a legitimate business.  However, as a business, I have concerns about these businesses asking the taxpayers to subsidize them with their energy costs. It seems to me that these businesses should have to pay their own energy costs, and not be subsidized by the taxpayer.  That is what I am saying. That is how I am looking at it.

They should not be connected to the grid. If they are making their own power, there is no reason for them to hook to the grid. Problem is; all the ones proposed say they will only hook to the grid for temporary power and there comes the rub. If they hook to the grid, suppliers will need to ramp up production and distribution lines. Someone will be asked to cover those costs and we should be able to figure out who that someone will be. These centers should be a best case for base load power. Let them build massive power plants that run all the time and make them pay for them. When the bubble bursts, leave the normal ratepayers out of it.

EV electrical usage isn't even remotely close to data center electrical usage. The only silver lining to the whole data center thing is maybe we'll build a grid robust enough that the little extra demand from EV's won't matter. 

I'm curious about how much you think an EV seeing average use takes to charge? Whole house AC takes considerably more and the rapid adoption of those didn't cause the collapse of the grid. 
Three 450 Watt solar panels seeing eight hours of sunlight / day will push a modern EV down the road for 30 miles. Nine panels will give you 100 miles + and not tax the grid at all.

I think what you're missing is the large number of EV drivers that also have solar for charging their car. While the efficiency of the cars don't have a large amount to improve because they are already pretty efficient, there is a great deal of efficiency to be had in solar panels. Also the cost continues to come down. What is needed on that front is for everyone except for the environmental stewards to get out of the way and let the market decide. No tax credits but also no tariffs. Really no good reason for commuter vehicles to have anything but a positive impact on the grid.

Ed, I agree with what you said, and how you worded it.  

"56 diesel backup generators per building"

If that is their backup, what is their primary source of energy?

The grid. 

So, when are you getting off the grid.   

I'm not planning to get a chip.

I am also not the one who is ranting and railing against data centers.  Data centers are being built because someone perceives there is a need.  The need exists because people are using the internet.  So, if you want to help decrease the need, then get off the internet.  As long as you are on the internet, then you are contributing to that "need".  

So... when are you going to get off the internet?  

OK...it sounds like the poster in the thread up this page a-ways was asking if he should take his SS now, or wait for the max pay @ 70.

I guess he'd better contact his SS office Monday morning per DKO's nightmare.

"A farmer in Lancaster County turned down millions of dollars to sell his land for a data center. Would you sell if offered BIG money?"

The one that I heard of was in Cumberland Co, not Lancaster Co.

Lancaster County is not Cumberland County.  

You got your facts wrong.