PPL Electric Utilities confirms data centers spurred transmission project in Lackawanna County

PPL Electric Utilities held an informal open house in Scott Township to discuss its proposed Archbald Mountain Project, which includes new transmission lines, switchyards, and a substation in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. Utility officials, including Doug Grossman, PPL's manager of transmission siting, confirmed that the project is largely spurred by the substantial power demands of multiple data centers planned for the Archbald area. While also emphasizing the project's role in enhancing reliability for existing residential customers, Grossman stated that PPL has an obligation to serve all customers, new and old. The meeting format, which involved small tour groups, left many community members upset, especially those already angered by the data center developments. Residents like Archbald's Kim Nudelman expressed frustration, asserting that the project's primary purpose is to serve data centers, not the local community. Many attendees wore "Stop Archbald Data Center" t-shirts, highlighting active local opposition. PPL officials cited nondisclosure agreements, refusing to name the specific data center developers or companies requesting service, although property records and online plans point to entities like Ercor Triboro LLC (linked to Sansone Group) and Archbald 25 Developer LLC (for Project Gravity) as potential customers. Despite the ongoing planning for utility infrastructure, none of the six proposed data center campuses in the Archbald borough have received full local approval. Grossman indicated that PPL's work on the transmission project proceeds on timelines established with customers, largely independent of their local permitting processes, although developers would be financially liable for studies if their projects are canceled. PPL is currently gathering public input on three proposed routes for the transmission lines, aiming to select the least intrusive option within four to five weeks. The entire project requires approval from the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission (PUC) before construction can begin and is estimated for completion by 2029-2030.