Data centers could bring construction, technology jobs and investment to Rhode Island, but their electricity needs could strain a state already facing high power costs.
New York’s new one-year pause on state permits for the largest data centers has sharpened the choice facing Rhode Island, where lawmakers have considered both a 30-year tax incentive and requirements that large operators pay for grid upgrades as electricity demand from artificial intelligence accelerates.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order on Jul. 14th pausing state environmental permits for data center projects of at least 50 megawatts while the state develops standards addressing energy, water and air-quality effects…