Data Centers Task Force Meeting - August 19, 2026

The City of Charlotte held a Data Centers Task Force meeting on August 19, 2026, focusing on the impact of data centers on water and energy resources. Representatives from Charlotte Water and local energy officials presented detailed information on water usage, regulatory oversight, and energy demand related to data centers. Charlotte Water highlighted their capacity assurance program, regulatory measures for significant industrial users, and the use of reclaimed water for cooling in some data centers. They also discussed capital improvement plans with an annual infrastructure investment of approximately $450 million. Energy officials addressed the challenges of increasing electricity demand from data centers, the role of Duke Energy in providing power, and the implications for carbon emissions and grid reliability. The meeting included discussions on legal constraints preventing the local government from limiting water use by data centers, the permitting process, and potential policy or ordinance development to encourage sustainable practices. Community members expressed concerns about equitable distribution of data centers and environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for clear regulations and community engagement. The task force planned to continue discussions in subsequent meetings to develop recommendations and possible regulatory frameworks.