Governor Ayotte proposes data center moratorium
New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte is proposing a multi-year moratorium on data center development across the state, citing concerns over energy supply, rising electricity prices, and potential environmental impacts such as water and noise pollution. Her proposal will be included in the upcoming budget, with Democrats also planning to introduce similar legislation. This comes as a feasibility study is underway for a potential hyperscale data center in Bow.
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte announced her opposition to new data centers in the state, proposing a multi-year moratorium to be included in her upcoming budget. The governor stated her concerns about the state's energy supply, indicating that large data centers would increase energy costs for residents. Her proposal, however, would not take effect until after the next budget is passed, likely July 2027, though an executive order could accelerate the ban.
Ayotte specifically mentioned opposition to a potential hyperscale data center in Bow, highlighting that ISO-New England confirmed such facilities would raise energy prices across the region. She emphasized the need for a multi-year pause to study energy and environmental impacts, including water and noise pollution, despite not having directly communicated with Bow officials. The governor's stance follows similar discussions among voters in other municipalities, like Nottingham and Rochester, regarding local data center moratoriums.
Separately, the state's consumer advocate, Don Kreis, confirmed a feasibility study for the Bow data center site. This study, requested by Granite Shore Power, LLC – owners of a former coal-fired power plant in Bow – is being conducted by Eversource Energy, according to public filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Democrats in the State House have also indicated plans to propose their own legislation for the 2027 session, seeking a 24-month moratorium on data center development throughout New Hampshire.