Rep. Nancy Mace Calls For One-Year Moratorium On New Data Centers In South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C. (May 18, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) called for a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in South Carolina, putting Big Tech on notice: South Carolina families will not foot the bill for their massive energy demands.

"South Carolina is not Big Tech's personal power grid," said Congresswoman Mace. "These companies are planting massive data centers across our state, driving up energy demand, and leaving families and small businesses to pick up the tab. South Carolinians are already stretched thin. The last thing they need is a higher electricity bill subsidizing Big Tech's bottom line."

Reports say South Carolina has become a destination for data centers over the years and more are expected to come. Every new facility brings with it surging energy demand, costly grid upgrades, and growing pressure on utility companies to recover those expenses from ratepayers. South Carolina families cannot afford to keep picking up the tab.

A one-year moratorium gives lawmakers the time needed to put real protections in place. Any framework moving forward must require data centers to fully cover the cost of the energy they consume and any grid upgrades their operations demand. South Carolina families and small businesses should not pay a dime of it.

"A one-year moratorium gives South Carolina the chance to get this right," added Mace. "When it is over, the rules are simple: data centers pay their own way or they do not come here. We don't want to see eminent domain like what's happening in Georgia, either."

Congresswoman Mace's push to protect South Carolina ratepayers is part of her broader cost-of-living agenda for the First District and the state.

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