Blakely to add a layer of data center regulations through electric company
Blakely Borough Council is considering an electric ordinance that would require large-load users such as data centers to pay for interconnection studies, grid upgrades and related equipment. The proposal follows the borough’s adoption of strict data center zoning rules and the withdrawal of a proposed project after community opposition.
Blakely officials are considering an ordinance that would regulate large-load customers using the borough-owned electric system, including data centers. The measure would require customers exceeding specified electricity thresholds to pay for interconnection studies, infrastructure upgrades, equipment and financial security, while allowing the borough to disconnect a large-load user during a system emergency.
Borough Manager Chris Paone said the ordinance is intended to prevent residents from bearing the cost of upgrades needed for high-demand customers and to protect electric reliability. Blakely has no current data center applications, but proposed data centers elsewhere in Lackawanna County could require substantially more power than the borough typically uses.
The measure follows Blakely’s adoption of more than 30 data center zoning restrictions last year. A proposal by Kriger Construction President Jim Marzolino and Al’s Quick Stop owner Alpesh Patel to build as many as four data centers in Blakely was withdrawn in September 2025 amid community opposition.