Data Center Signal is tracking 13 clips about Eversource data center developments across 3 states, including NH, CT, MA.
Residents in Nottingham, New Hampshire, mounted strong opposition to a proposed data center conversion, prompting the developer to withdraw its initial plan. The town later approved a one-year moratorium on data center construction, while residents in nearby Bow are opposing a potential 350-megawatt project at the former Merrimack Station power plant.
A proposed data center conversion at a 200,000-square-foot warehouse in Nottingham, New Hampshire, drew more than 25,000 petition signatures and intense local opposition over water, ecological, noise and energy concerns. The developer withdrew the proposal, and Nottingham voters later approved a one-year moratorium on data center construction while the town considers permanent zoning restrictions.
All 16 Republican New Hampshire senators voted to remove proposed noise, setback and power-use checks from a data center bill. The vote was followed by thousands of dollars in contributions from the New Hampshire Home Builders Association PAC to Republican senators, while the bill later died after being tabled by the House.
O&G Industries is pursuing a potential 32-megawatt data center in Beacon Falls, Connecticut, although the town has not received a formal proposal. Residents have protested and submitted a petition with more than 2,500 signatures, citing risks to the Naugatuck River, bald eagles, the town’s character and electricity costs.
Residents in Bow, New Hampshire, are strongly opposing the potential development of a hyperscale data center on the former Merrimack Station site, citing environmental and quality-of-life concerns. The local selectboard held a public meeting to address these fears, while New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte has announced plans to propose a statewide data center moratorium. An assessment for a 350-megawatt project on the land, owned by Granite State Power, is being conducted by Eversource.
The Wilmington Select Board discussed a presentation from the Planning & Conservation Director on data centers, highlighting their significant resource demands and potential impacts. This led to a review of a proposed zoning bylaw aimed at regulating data centers, particularly hyperscale facilities, through special permits and strict usage limits. Separately, Eversource Energy presented on a new substation and transmission line project in the region, intended to meet rising power demand, which has indirect relevance to data center growth. The board voted to schedule a Special Town Meeting on November 21st to consider the adoption of the new data center zoning bylaw. A public hearing for the bylaw is also scheduled for September 29th.
The Falmouth Planning Board held a public hearing to discuss a proposed zoning article concerning data centers, introduced by resident Jack Richardson. The article aimed to define data centers within the Falmouth Zoning Bylaw and regulate their use, classifying them by electrical demand. Residents and board members expressed concerns about potential impacts on water, electricity infrastructure, noise, and job creation, referencing issues seen in other communities like Lowell and Virginia. The discussion also touched upon a recent executive order by the Massachusetts Governor related to state-level approval for data centers. Ultimately, the board voted for an indefinite postponement of the article, citing the need for more time to review and define the regulations.
Residents of Bow, New Hampshire, are divided over a potential data center on the site of a former power plant, with some seeing tax relief and others raising environmental and energy concerns. State politicians, including Governor Kelly Ayotte, have voiced strong opposition, citing high energy costs and proposing a statewide moratorium. No formal proposal has been submitted, but discussions are ongoing.
The town of Bow, New Hampshire, is in high-level discussions about becoming the site of a new 350-megawatt data center at the former Merrimack Station site. Granite Shore Power has filed a request with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to discuss power grid connections with Eversource for the project. This potential development comes amidst growing statewide opposition to data centers, including Governor Kelly Ayotte's support for a moratorium on their construction.
The City of Bristol, CT, is proposing changes to its local zoning regulations to prevent the construction of large data centers. These changes would eliminate certain size allowances and mandate special permits for all data center applications. This initiative is distinct from a smaller data center project by ReNew Developers LLC, which is already planned for a Brownfield site in the city, using a fuel cell system and self-contained water.
The Westfield City Council in Massachusetts has unanimously enacted a one-year moratorium on new data centers, five years after approving a large Servistar Realties project. Residents are concerned about environmental impacts, including water and electricity usage, and are vowing to fight the already approved project. Meanwhile, Governor Maura Healey has introduced new requirements for data centers to receive state tax breaks.
Eversource CEO Joe Nolan expressed strong resistance to data centers establishing in Connecticut, citing concerns about potential overloads, strain on the power grid, and increased costs for residential customers. Jacob Lucas, vice president of transmission and system planning, highlighted that large data centers requiring 100 megawatts or more pose serious challenges to the state's energy supply and infrastructure. While the company cannot legally refuse service, they are actively discouraging such developments.
Bristol Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu anticipates no wetlands or water supply issues with a proposed $50 million data center project by ReNew Developers LLC on Riverside Ave. The 40,000 square foot facility, with a four-megawatt fuel cell system, is planned for a former Brownfield site and will eventually be reviewed by the Wetlands Commission.