Advocates for bringing data centers into Connecticut warned that a proposal to restrict emissions from large diesel power generators could halt the industry’s interest in the state, undoing the progress of major incentives lawmakers approved to attract data centers last year. Dykes said the bill applies generally to businesses that use diesel-fueled generators for “peak shaving” – a practice where large businesses like manufacturers run their own power generators to reduce their demand from the grid and avoid costly spikes in electricity usage. Though Dykes said the bill is not targeted at data centers, she said the centers could have significant impacts on emissions because of the sheer amount of energy they consume. Dykes said the proposed regulations are based on rules in Delaware, and aren’t meant to restrict backup diesel engines for emergencies or maintenance that requires a business to temporarily disconnect from the grid – just on “peak shaving.”
Data Centers Cry Foul as DEEP Takes Aim at Diesel Generator Emissions