Congressman Proposes Power Costs for Data Centers

Rep. Marlin Stutzman advocates for operator-funded power and nuclear energy to reduce strain on the Indiana grid.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Data Centers

Congressman Proposes Power Costs for Data Centers

Live Poll

Should data center companies pay for their own power infrastructure costs instead of receiving tax breaks?

Congressman Marlin Stutzman argues that data center operators should pay for their own infrastructure and power costs rather than receiving tax abatements. He proposed creating designated industrial hubs to house both data centers and power sources, keeping high-voltage lines away from residential areas.

Why it matters

Data centers consume vast amounts of electricity, placing significant pressure on the state's existing power grid. Stutzman suggests using small modular nuclear reactors to meet this rising demand while minimizing the need for new transmission lines across farmland.

Small modular nuclear reactors are designed as smaller units than traditional nuclear plants, offering a compact power solution for energy-intensive industrial sites. These units aim to provide localized electricity to support emerging technology hubs.

The players

Marlin Stutzman

He is a Congressman who advocates for energy infrastructure reform and the integration of small modular nuclear reactors.

Google

It is a global technology company currently pursuing the development of a data center in New Haven, Indiana.

The details

Stutzman identified Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Indianapolis as potential locations for these new power sources, which would benefit from streamlined federal permitting. The proposal comes as Google continues its planned data center development in New Haven, highlighting the need for localized energy strategies.

October 15, 2026: Congressman Marlin Stutzman discussed data center electricity policy.

The Tech Race

This proposal marks a pivot toward utilizing small modular nuclear reactors as a dedicated power source for high-consumption industrial operations. By replacing traditional grid dependence with on-site nuclear energy, companies look to secure a stable and scalable power supply for their data centers.

If implemented, the policy would shift costs away from tax incentives and directly toward facility operators, potentially impacting local business tax revenues. Residents may see fewer new high-voltage transmission lines crossing farmland as power generation moves closer to the industrial source.

The takeaway

Data centers face increasing pressure to address their significant electricity consumption through innovative power solutions. Congressman Stutzman's plan suggests that the future of large-scale tech infrastructure may depend on localized energy production.