New statewide poll shows voters blame data centers for rising electricity costs and want legislative action to protect ratepayers, communities and the environment

RICHMOND, VA — A new statewide poll conducted by Global Strategy Group shows that a whopping 92% of likely voters in Virginia believe state lawmakers are failing to properly manage the rapid growth of data centers in the state. These voters are concerned about the rising cost of electricity and are ready for lawmakers to act, holding state leaders – more than utilities and tech companies – responsible for data center problems. The new poll provides timely insights as the Virginia General Assembly convenes this week. 

The survey, released by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund, found that a striking 92% agree that state lawmakers need to do more to control the impacts of data centers. Seventy-three percent of Virginians blame data centers for rising electricity costs, with nearly a third blaming them “a lot.” The survey results were discussed during a press briefing featuring Senator Russet Perry (District 31) and Delegate Michelle Maldonado (District 20), who highlighted legislation they are sponsoring aimed at protecting ratepayers from subsidizing energy infrastructure for the world’s richest companies.

“Data centers and the energy costs they create are by far the number one issue I hear about in my district,” said Senator Russet Perry (District 31). “And this isn’t a partisan issue. I represent a purple district. Consistent with the polling, this is a top issue across the entire political spectrum. In a time of deeply divided politics, when was the last time you saw 90% of people agree about anything? The bottom line is that I spent a decade as a prosecutor holding powerful actors accountable. I brought that same commitment to the State Senate last year when I demanded fairness in data center rates, and I’m bringing it again this year.”             

“Virginia leads the world in digital infrastructure, and that leadership comes with responsibility,” said Delegate Michelle Maldonado (District 20). “HB658 is about fairness and transparency, making sure working families and small businesses aren’t quietly subsidizing the energy costs of some of the largest corporations in the world. This bill doesn’t stop growth or innovation. It simply ensures that when new infrastructure is built, the customers driving those costs are the ones paying for them.”

Virginia’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) underscores the scale of the fiscal problem, revealing that the Commonwealth lost $1.6 billion in 2025 due to sales and use tax exemptions for data centers. Meanwhile, the industry’s surging electricity use is straining the state’s grid and escalating costs for consumers. These combined financial and environmental pressures have sparked urgent debate in the General Assembly over whether Virginia can continue subsidizing the data center industry without meaningful reform.

“These polling results make clear that voters intend to hold state lawmakers accountable for allowing runaway data center growth to drive up residential energy bills and pollution,” said Victoria Higgins, Virginia Director, Chesapeake Climate Network (CCAN) Action Fund. “Lawmakers have a clear mandate in the 2026 session to move beyond tepid compromises and finally pass meaningful legislation to protect Virginians and the environment.”

“At New Virginia Majority, we believe every family deserves to find economic stability at home and in their community with access to affordable housing,” said Tyneshia Griffin, Environmental Policy Analyst, New Virginia Majority. “Data centers have to be required to pay their fair share for the energy infrastructure they need to power today’s AI boom. Otherwise, working Virginians–particularly tenants who are exposed to rampant rent hikes and reside in less energy-efficient housing–are going to be forced to absorb the economic shock of steep increases in their monthly energy bills for years to come.”

Watch the recorded press briefing HERE.

Full polling results are available HERE.

###

Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund is dedicated to driving change in public policies at the local, state, and national levels to address the climate crisis. Through voter education, lobbying, and participation in the electoral process, we seek to advance our country’s leadership in the global movement toward clean energy solutions — focusing our efforts primarily in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. We know that a vibrant democracy is central to our success so we work to defend democratic integrity wherever we can.