City leaders weigh franchise agreement with AES Ohio to power data center
Piqua's city commission is considering a franchise agreement with AES Ohio to provide power to a new data center, as current city infrastructure is insufficient. Residents are opposing the agreement, expressing concerns that it will lead to higher utility bills. A vote on the agreement is scheduled for next month.
Piqua, Ohio's City Commission is currently evaluating a franchise agreement with AES Ohio to supply power to a new data center, as the city's existing infrastructure cannot handle the facility's demands. The city, which operates its own electric co-op, must approve the agreement to allow AES Ohio to provide high-transmission power.
Dozens of Piqua residents expressed strong opposition to the agreement at a recent commission meeting, voicing concerns that their residential power bills would increase. Katie Wagner, a resident, directly challenged commissioners on potential cost hikes, despite assurances from AES Ohio that individual contracts with large customers like data centers protect existing residential and business customers from incremental costs and improve infrastructure.
AES Ohio Economic Development Lead Rob Beeler stated the service agreement would provide power "to this customer and this customer only." While the specific tech company behind the data center remains undisclosed due to a non-disclosure agreement, city officials confirmed the company has agreed to cover all infrastructure upgrade costs. City commissioners are scheduled to vote on the franchise agreement at an upcoming meeting.