PPL transmission line proposal adds new layer to Gregg Township data center fight
Residents in Gregg Township, Pennsylvania, are opposing a proposed data center by PNK Group, which is now complicated by PPL's plan to construct nine miles of 230,000-volt transmission lines across Lycoming and Union counties. Locals believe the new lines are intended to power the data center and are concerned about environmental impacts, the project's extended footprint, and potential public subsidization of infrastructure for a private development. The transmission line construction is pending approval from the Pa. Public Utility Commission and is slated for 2027-2029.
Residents in Gregg Township, Union County, Pennsylvania, are escalating their opposition to a proposed data center by PNK Group, as a new development from utility company PPL introduces additional concerns. PPL has initiated outreach regarding plans to build approximately nine miles of new 230,000-volt transmission lines across Lycoming and Union counties.
PPL's communications describe the high-voltage project as necessary to meet "growing energy needs" and support "new customer facilities," which locals, including Matthew DeWire of the Concerned Citizens of Gregg Township (CCGT), interpret as being directly related to PNK Group's proposed data center at Great Stream Commons. PPL has not publicly confirmed this connection.
The proposed transmission corridor, which includes steel monopole towers 90 to 180 feet tall, is depicted in PPL's materials as potentially crossing residential properties, farmland, and state game lands. DeWire expressed alarm that the project's footprint extends significantly beyond the data center itself, raising questions about "long-term infrastructure expansion, environmental impacts, and the regional burden being placed on local communities."
DeWire also voiced concerns about who would ultimately bear the cost of these transmission fees, suggesting the public might subsidize infrastructure primarily benefiting a private data center. Construction of the transmission line is projected to begin in winter 2027 and conclude by winter 2029, pending approval from the Pa. Public Utility Commission.