First Energy

Data Center Signal is tracking 6 clips about First Energy data center developments across 3 states, including OH, PA, WV.

6Clips

3States

States

Topics

electricity100%

government100%

opposition50%

zoning50%

moratorium33%

environmental33%

announcement33%

water33%

News ClipWOSU Public Media·OH

Federal government to invest more than $100 million in Ohio's electric grid to boost energy capacity

The U.S. Department of Energy announced over $100 million in federal funding, matched by private investment from companies like First Energy and American Electric Power, to upgrade Ohio's electrical grid. This investment aims to improve transmission lines, enhance reliability, and boost energy capacity to support the rapid growth of AI technology, manufacturing, and data centers in the state. Officials emphasize the need for grid upgrades to keep pace with increasing demand and ensure energy affordability.

electricity government

9/24/2026

News ClipThe Morning Call·Upper Macungie, Lehigh County, PA

Data center developers tout economic benefits. How much could they affect Lehigh Valley economy?

Data center developers and supporters in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley highlight the economic benefits and job creation from data center projects, including significant construction and indirect employment, despite requiring fewer permanent staff. Local economic development officials view data centers as foundational infrastructure rather than high-value job creators, leading to less dedicated recruitment. Residents, mindful of past warehouse developments, are actively pushing back against five proposed hyperscale projects, while utilities like PPL and First Energy are investing billions to expand grid capacity to meet growing power demands.

zoning opposition announcement government electricity moratorium

9/3/2026

News Clip4:47WFMJ·Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH

Watchdog Report: City discusses data center sites, public opposition

The city of Youngstown, Ohio, is having internal discussions about potential data center developments, with conversations dating back to last year and involving specific sites and electricity needs. While no formal proposals have been submitted, officials are preparing for the possibility and acknowledging growing community opposition. The mayor has maintained a non-committal public stance.

zoning opposition electricity government

Amazon

7/23/2026

News ClipWFMJ·Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH

Youngstown leaders pursued major data center for past year, emails reveal

Youngstown city leaders, including Mayor McDowell's administration, have been secretly pursuing a "multibillion dollar" data center development with companies like Wharton Equity and LightHouse Data Centers for over a year. This pursuit comes despite known public opposition and the fact that nearby communities have enacted moratoriums due to concerns about noise, water use, and pollution. The city has engaged with utilities and site selection firms while attempting to manage public messaging.

zoning opposition environmental electricity water government moratorium

7/23/2026

News ClipNews-Talk 1480 WHBC·Columbus, Franklin County, OH

PUCO Adds Electricity Requirements for Data Center Developers

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is implementing new electricity requirements for data center developers. These changes include ordering First Energy, parent company of Ohio Edison, to create a separate rate plan for data centers and prohibiting data centers from joining AEP Ohio's Transmission Cost Recovery pilot program.

electricity government

5/20/2026

News Cliptheintelligencer.net·Bedington, Berkeley County, WV

State, Developers Discuss Future Of Data Centers In West Virginia

State officials and developers discussed the proposed $4 billion Bedington Data Center campus in Berkeley County, West Virginia, highlighting its economic potential and infrastructure advantages. Penzance, the developer, outlined plans to utilize an existing large electrical substation and up to 60% reclaimed wastewater, addressing concerns about power and water consumption. The discussions also emphasized the importance of community engagement and the role of state legislation in attracting technology investments.

announcement electricity water government environmental

5/18/2026