Google plans a 780-megawatt data center in Pine Island, Minnesota, and has proposed a deal with Xcel Energy to finance 1,400 megawatts of wind, 200 megawatts of solar and 300 megawatts of battery storage, more than the data center is expected to use. Under the agreement, which awaits approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Google would pay for at least 75% of its contracted capacity and up to eight years of minimum demand charges if it exits early. Xcel says the new power will serve all customers in the area. A Gallup survey found 71% of Americans opposed a data center in their local area, with energy usage the chief concern, and NERC expects data centers to account for most of the projected rise in electricity demand. Jigar Shah argues that placing smaller data centers where the grid already has spare capacity could lower rates for everyone.
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data centerselectricityGoogleXcel Energy
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GOOGL
• NeutralAlphabet Inc. (Class A)
Relevance: low
| Market | US stocks |
|---|---|
| Sector | Communication Services |
| Industry | Interactive Media & Services |
| Market cap | $4.3T |
| Close on 10/16/2026 | 340.59 |
| Change that session | -2.47% |
Impact is scored by AI from the headline and may be wrong. It is not investment advice.
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