New data centers in NC could strain the power grid and your wallet

WRAL Daily Download

New data centers in NC could strain the power grid and your wallet

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Published on Sep 15, 2025, 3:59:59 AM
Total time: 00:07:58

Episode Description

A new data center in Tarboro promised to bring in 500 jobs, $6.4 billion in investment and millions in new tax revenue for the rural North Carolina community, but residents weren't convinced. Fears over water use, noise and the project's long-term sustainability pushed the town council to reject the plan. Tarboro isn't alone in potential data center locations and concerns.

WRAL climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin talks about how a growth of data centers could impact the environment, the power grid and your wallet. 

More about WRAL Daily Download

The WRAL Daily Download is an in-depth conversation about a single news story. WRAL covers news across North Carolina every day, but this podcast focuses on one story at a time, bringing context to each conversation. The in-depth, localized podcast takes you into the latest stories from Raleigh, Durham, and the entire Triangle region on North Carolina. This is community news aimed at keeping you informed about the more subtle stories that are happening around you. Hosted by WRAL News journalists, episodes post weekdays by 4:30am.