Appalachian Power Upgrades Grid for Google's $264 Million Botetourt Data Center Complex

Appalachian Power plans to upgrade its electric grid in Botetourt County to serve Google's massive data center complex. The $264 million project will increase transmission lines and substations, with a peak electricity demand of approximately 300 megawatts.

The cost is significant, but Appalachian Power assures customers that they won't foot the bill. According to the company, the added revenue from Google and other large users will cover the costs of the upgrades.

Google has committed to paying for all new power delivery infrastructure upgrades required to service its data centers under the Ratepayer Protection Pledge announced by the White House in March.