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HB 946

Energy - As introduced, requires an applicant and an electric utility service to perform and submit to the locality a site assessment prior to the approval of a rezoning request, special exception, or special use permit for the siting of a new high energy use facility (HEUF). - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 13; Title 54; Title 65 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Shaundelle Brooks

Requires applicants and utilities to submit electrical site assessments to localities before approving zoning for new high-energy-use facilities, enabling communities to evaluate grid capacity.

Action Def. in s/c Cities & Counties Subcommittee to January 2027 Calendar
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Bill Summary · HB 946

Legislative bill overview

HB 946 requires applicants and electric utility companies to conduct and submit site assessments to local governments before approving zoning changes or permits for new high-energy-use facilities (HEUFs). The bill amends seven Tennessee code titles to establish this assessment requirement across zoning and land-use approval processes.

Why is this important

As data centers, manufacturing plants, and other energy-intensive facilities expand across Tennessee, this bill ensures localities have electrical infrastructure data before approving projects that could strain local power grids. The requirement gives communities advance notice of potential utility demands and allows them to plan grid upgrades or deny projects if capacity is inadequate.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic development concerns: Requirements for pre-approval assessments could delay or discourage new industrial facilities, potentially costing Tennessee jobs and tax revenue in competitive markets for data center and manufacturing investment.
  • Utility cost allocation: Unclear whether applicants or utilities bear assessment costs, and whether those costs get passed to ratepayers generally or only to the specific project.
  • Vague standards: The bill doesn't define what constitutes adequate electrical capacity or how localities should use assessments to deny permits, potentially leading to inconsistent application and legal challenges.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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