Ellison: Google’s Pine Island data center could cost Minnesotans millions for electricity

Key Points:

• Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison raises concerns that Google's agreement with Xcel Energy for a Pine Island data center may shift millions to over a billion dollars in costs onto other utility customers, potentially violating state law requiring large customers to bear their own costs.
• Ellison argues the deal lacks transparency due to redactions in cost details and contends it is not reasonable or in the public interest, warning that residential and small business ratepayers could face higher electricity bills if Google terminates its contract early.
• Xcel Energy disputes Ellison’s claims, stating Google will fund new clean energy infrastructure at no cost to existing customers and pay its fair share of system costs, emphasizing commitment to transparency and customer protection.
• Both Ellison and his electoral opponent, Ron Schutz, agree the Attorney General should intervene if data center agreements violate state law and unfairly burden Minnesota households.
• The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will review the agreement, considering public comments including those from the Attorney General, Xcel, and Google, before deciding whether to approve, modify, or reject the deal; meanwhile, the data center project is paused due to ongoing legal challenges over environmental review.