OpenAI's Grid Protectors Program Debuts With Georgia Power Deal

OpenAI has launched the Grid Protectors Program, under which it will allow utility companies to reduce power draw at its compute campuses during grid stress. The first agreement is with Georgia Power, which can cut up to 1,000MW from OpenAI's planned Effingham County, Georgia campus during demand peaks such as heat waves. The Effingham County campus is projected to require approximately 3.2 gigawatts of power in total, making the curtailable portion about 1,000MW of that figure; even at maximum curtailment, the facility would still draw around 2,200MW. The curtailed power would cover the average demand of approximately 700,000 households. The campus represents a $30 billion project expected to launch in 2028. Local residents staged protests against the project during summer 2026. Georgia Power expressed support for OpenAI's power-management commitment, with the utility stating it aims to ensure large energy users bring value through higher reliability and lower prices.