Georgia regulators voted 5‑0 to let the state’s largest private utility boost capacity by 50% to serve projected demand from hyperscale data centers, a build‑out estimated at $16.3 billion. Georgia Power and commissioners said large users will shoulder much of the cost over decades, but opponents warned ratepayers could be left exposed if demand falls. Universities near planned data‑center corridors face multiple impacts: grid strain and construction, altered local utility rates, potential research and partnership opportunities with AI firms, and political pressure from community stakeholders. The vote underscores how regional infrastructure decisions for private data centers can reshape campus planning and sustainability goals. Clarification: 'Megawatt' (MW) is a unit of power equal to one million watts; Georgia Power cited a need for 10,000 MW of new capacity to meet projected demand.