Piqua Commission holds lengthy public hearing on data center project
The Piqua Commission held a lengthy and contentious public hearing regarding a franchise agreement with AES Ohio to provide electricity to a proposed data center. Many residents voiced strong opposition due to concerns about environmental impact, noise pollution, loss of farmland, and the financial terms of the agreement. The ordinance for the franchise agreement is scheduled for a third reading at an upcoming meeting.
The Piqua Commission held a contentious, over-three-hour public hearing on August 11 to discuss a franchise agreement between Dayton Power & Light (AES Ohio) and the city of Piqua. This amended agreement would allow AES Ohio to construct and operate electric utility facilities to serve a proposed data center within the city.
Key aspects of the amended agreement include an annual $1 million franchise fee payment from the customer (data center) to the city, a 60-day cure period for late payments, and a reduced initial franchise term of 30 years. Piqua Power System Director RJ Monnier explained that the city could not supply the necessary power, prompting the need for AES Ohio's involvement and a significant $100 million investment in infrastructure improvements to connect to a 345 kV interstate transmission system, benefiting the entire region.
Piqua Economic Development Director Chris Schmiesing highlighted the