Stillwater residents vote to approve Data Center Project
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) — Stillwater residents voted to approve the Stillwater Data Center Project in the 2024 election, allowing OG&E to provide electricity for the data centers.
What is the Stillwater Data Center Project?
The Stillwater Date Center Project is a plan which allows the development of at least one or up to six data center facilities that are valued at $500 million per facility or $3 billion overall. The project is said to be built in the City of Stillwater but will support both the state and country.
The project could be a boost for local economy and each phase is said to generate revenue that is equal to 250 new houses valued at $300,000 each while also adding significant revenue through electric consumption and construction use taxes.
An agreement is being considered to begin the first two phases or facilities which are around 300,000 square feet, with Phase I being complete by 2027 if the project is both voted in and construction follows shortly after.
Why is a vote needed for the project and what happens if it passes or fails?
The ballot contains an initiative to allow or not allow OG&E to provide electricity for the data centers.
If voted yes: According to the City of Stillwater, the city would receive a $2.25 million franchise fee for each data center, once each are fully operational. Included is the yearly Community Betterment Payments which are used towards park amenities, public facilities, improved infrastructure and future economic development projects.
Stillwater Public Schools, Meridian Technology Center, Payne County Health Department and Payne County would receive an annual PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) payment which would increase by 1% each year for 25 years.
If voted no: An alternative electric provider would then need to be decided for the project, with the provider likely being Stillwater Electric Utility. Additional infrastructure investment would be required in order to prevent a strain on the current Stillwater power grid.
Voters have approved the Stillwater Data Center Project.