Arkansas public power utility West Memphis Utilities (WMU) on Sept. 3 clarified its role in the development of Google’s data center in West Memphis following recent reporting regarding the costs associated with serving large data center projects in Arkansas.
WMU customers will not see an increase in their utility bills because of the Google data center, the utility said.
"Google is financially responsible for the utility infrastructure required specifically to serve its West Memphis data center, and those costs are not being passed on to WMU’s existing customers," WMU said.
"It is also important to distinguish WMU from Entergy Arkansas. WMU is an independent, public power utility and does not purchase its power from Entergy," it noted.
WMU’s relationship with Google and the infrastructure being constructed to serve the West Memphis project are separate from Entergy Arkansas’ agreements, operations and regulatory matters involving its data center customers.
WMU currently has one electric line remaining to be constructed specifically for the Google data center.
"As with the other infrastructure requirements associated with the project, Google has made payments to cover the costs of the infrastructure needed to serve its facility. To date, Google has been financially responsible for the utility infrastructure WMU has constructed or is constructing specifically for the data center," the utility said.
"This approach will continue as WMU completes the remaining infrastructure required for the project. WMU recognizes the importance of economic development in West Memphis while maintaining its responsibility to protect the interests of existing customers."
“Our responsibility is first and foremost to the customers we serve,” Bob Atkins, General Manager of WMU. “We can welcome new economic development to West Memphis while also making sure our existing customers are protected.”
WMU said it will continue to provide accurate information about the project and its impact on the West Memphis community as development progresses.
