Hahn and Escalent Release Data Center Communications Playbook to Address Public Opposition

May 28, 2026
Hahn and Escalent have published a Data Center Communications Playbook following a 13-state survey revealing declining public trust in data centers and identifying key issues driving opposition, including electricity costs and AI-related concerns.

Hahn and Escalent have released a Data Center Communications Playbook to help energy and utility organizations address growing public opposition to data center projects, announced in a press release. The playbook is based on a survey of 3,417 voters across 13 states including Texas, Virginia, California, Florida, and Georgia.

The research found that opposition to data centers now exceeds that toward nuclear plants, with 71 percent of Americans opposed to new facilities in their area. It identified five main drivers of public concern: electricity costs, grid reliability, resource consumption, pollution and noise, and fears related to AI technologies.

The playbook provides a framework for improving communication strategies between utilities, energy providers, and policymakers. It includes guidance on effective messaging, credible spokespeople, and communication methods that improve trust rather than deepen skepticism. Hahn's model includes a Message-Messenger-Method framework and a White Hat campaign strategy integrating brand work with policy adaptation.

The Data Center Communications Playbook is available for purchase and includes full data analysis and a virtual consultation session to discuss findings and recommendations tailored to each organization.

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