PUC judges hold up review of Nescopeck-Hazle powerline
Administrative law judges have paused the review of an 11.2-mile powerline proposed by PPL Electric Utilities, which is intended to serve the Project Hazelnut data center in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania. The pause is pending decisions from the PUC and Commonwealth Court, where NorthPoint Development is appealing a denied planning approval for the data center. The project faces active opposition from residents and state representatives concerned about its impacts.
Administrative law judges Emily Farren and Steven Haas issued an order on September 22, pausing the review of an 11.2-mile powerline proposed by PPL Electric Utilities in Pennsylvania. This powerline, intended to serve the planned Project Hazelnut data center, has faced significant opposition from residents and local politicians, including State Reps. Jamie Walsh, Dane Watro, and Joanne Stehr.
The judges' decision stays proceedings for the larger powerline and PPL's application for eminent domain against 30 property owners until the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) rules on a shorter 1.1-mile powerline and the Commonwealth Court resolves an appeal regarding Project Hazelnut. NorthPoint Development, the developer of Project Hazelnut, is currently appealing Hazle Township Supervisors' November denial of planning approval for the 1,250-acre campus, which would house 15 data center buildings and require 965 megawatts of power.
Opposition to the powerline includes a petition signed by 1,039 people and concerns about property values, environmental integrity, and rural character. The judges had also previously suspended proceedings on an application by CAN DO to supply water to Project Hazelnut, citing NorthPoint's ongoing litigation to overturn that denial. PPL is required to file a status report in six months or after the PUC rules on the 1.1-mile line, whichever comes first.