Editorial: Innovation Should Not Come at the Expense of Tennessee Communities

I have spent much of my professional life embracing it, investing in it and helping others adapt to it. As the founder of a digital marketing company and multiple media organizations, I understand firsthand how innovation can transform businesses, communities and communication.

Our organizations began heavily utilizing website development and digital publishing strategies as early as 2001, long before many newspapers and businesses embraced digital transformation. We helped lead the transition into streaming video, social engagement, text alerts and integrated digital platforms while investing in advanced website systems, automation tools, database development and evolving AI-related technologies.

We have employed highly experienced technology professionals capable of building systems ranging from Large Language Models (LLMs) to complex database structures and integrated digital platforms. At the same time, we have intentionally created opportunities for students and young professionals entering the technology field because innovation should also include mentorship and workforce development.

That is why concerns surrounding Tennessee Valley Authority discussions about data centers, infrastructure expansion and future rate structures deserve serious public attention.

At a recent TVA Board meeting, officials acknowledged rapidly growing energy demand driven in large part by data centers and artificial intelligence expansion. Data centers already account for nearly one-fifth of TVA’s industrial power load, with projections suggesting that number could double by 2030.

TVA is now developing a separate rate structure specifically for data centers. The stated goal is to ensure these facilities help cover the significant infrastructure and peak-demand costs they create rather than shifting long-term burdens onto residential customers and local communities.

That conversation is necessary.

I am not opposed to economic development. What concerns me is the possibility of massive energy-consuming data centers placing increasing strain on the same public power grid relied upon by families, schools, hospitals, manufacturers, farmers, small businesses and local communities.

Many modern data centers consume extraordinary amounts of electricity, sometimes rivaling entire towns. As these facilities continue growing, legitimate concerns follow regarding future electric rates, infrastructure strain and long-term sustainability.

Our publications in Virginia have already experienced firsthand what rising electricity costs tied to data center growth can do to local operations and businesses. In some cases, power bills nearly tripled. That is not sustainable for working families, small businesses or community institutions.

Communities should not be forced to sacrifice reliable, affordable infrastructure in pursuit of unchecked expansion, especially when many areas already need infrastructure improvements to support measured growth.

This should not be a Republican issue.
It should not be a Democrat issue.
It should not become another political divide.

This is a community issue.

Protecting affordable, reliable infrastructure for working families, healthcare facilities, schools and local businesses should unite people regardless of political affiliation.

Supporting technology and asking responsible questions about infrastructure are not contradictory positions. One can strongly support innovation while also recognizing the importance of safeguards, sustainability and long-term planning.

In May, Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter publicly stated he would oppose bringing large-scale data centers into Putnam County. Other Tennessee communities are already reviewing zoning restrictions, infrastructure requirements, noise limitations and environmental concerns tied to large-scale data processing facilities.

Innovation without accountability is not progress.

Tennessee communities deserve transparency, responsible leadership and infrastructure policies that prioritize the people already living and working here, not simply the demands of massive corporate expansion.

Communities still power the places where we eat, sleep and live. Let’s protect them before it’s too late.