Congressman McGarvey Opposes Louisville Data Center Over Electricity Concerns
Congressman Morgan McGarvey has sent a letter to LG&E President John R. Crockett III, opposing a hyperscale data center planned for Camp Ground Road in Louisville. McGarvey demands that Louisville families not be forced to pay for the development or the expected surge in electricity demand. The Louisville Planning Commission fast-tracked site approval for the project, despite widespread community opposition, and it is expected to use 400 megawatts of power.
Congressman Morgan McGarvey has formally opposed a hyperscale data center development on Camp Ground Road in Louisville, Kentucky, in a letter sent to LG&E President John R. Crockett III. McGarvey's primary concern is that Louisville residents and small businesses should not incur higher electricity rates or face increased risks of outages due to the data center's significant power demands.
Despite widespread community opposition, the Louisville Planning Commission fast-tracked site approval for the data center in June 2025, with phase one anticipated to come online in October. The facility is projected to consume 400 megawatts of power, which represents a 63% increase in local grid demand, equivalent to powering approximately 280,000 households. McGarvey argues against repeating historical mistakes where local communities bore the environmental and economic costs for industrial development.
In his letter, McGarvey highlighted a nationwide trend of soaring electricity prices in areas with high concentrations of data centers, noting a 267% increase over the past five years. He stressed that data center owners often do not fully cover the costs of increased usage or the necessary grid upgrades. He has requested LG&E to provide clear answers on infrastructure requirements, cost distribution, and measures to protect existing ratepayers from financial burdens and service disruptions.