FirstEnergy

Data Center Signal is tracking 9 clips about FirstEnergy data center developments across 4 states, including VA, WV, OH, MD.

9Clips

4States

States

Topics

government100%

electricity100%

opposition56%

environmental33%

zoning22%

legal11%

announcement11%

moratorium11%

water11%

News Clipdominionpost.com·Loudoun County, VA

MARL executive talks issues with The Dominion Post

NextEra Energy's MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) Project, a power transmission line partly aimed at serving data centers in Virginia's Loudoun County, is facing significant public opposition in West Virginia, where public comment hearings are underway. Residents have filed thousands of protest letters, primarily concerned that the line acts as a pass-through for power. NextEra's VP addressed these concerns, discussing project benefits, costs, and potential for a new West Virginia substation.

electricity opposition government

5/26/2026

News ClipInside Climate News·Goochland County, VA

Residents Wrangle Over Transmission Line Proposal for Rural Virginia

A major 765-kilovolt transmission line project, Valley Link, proposed by Dominion Energy and its partners to serve data centers in Northern Virginia, is facing intense opposition from residents and advocacy groups in rural Virginia counties like Goochland. Residents have filed a lawsuit challenging Goochland County's recently approved technology overlay district, citing inconsistencies in zoning. Concerns include disruption of rural character, environmental impacts, and grid reliability.

zoning opposition environmental electricity legal government

5/26/2026

News ClipCleveland.com·OH

FirstEnergy ordered to create data center pricing rules$

FirstEnergy has received an order to develop new pricing regulations specifically for data centers. This directive from a regulatory body will impact how data centers are charged for electricity within FirstEnergy's service territory.

electricity government

5/14/2026

News ClipCharleston Gazette-Mail·WV

WV agreed to pay $15K a month for energy consulting to pro-data center group in VA

West Virginia's Office of Energy has entered a $15,000 monthly consulting agreement with Virginia-based Davis Energy & Infrastructure Strategy Group to advise on data center attraction and energy strategy. This initiative aligns with West Virginia's legislative efforts, including new laws that prioritize fossil fuels over renewables and strip local zoning control for data center projects. The move reflects the state's aggressive strategy to attract large-load industries, following recommendations from former Virginia energy official Glenn Davis.

electricity government zoning opposition announcement

5/8/2026

News ClipBay Journal·Orange County, VA

Large transmission line to cut through Virginia forests and farmland

A large 115-mile transmission line project, the Valley Link, is planned to cut through nine Virginia counties from Lynchburg to Richardsville, to meet rising energy demands largely fueled by data centers. The project faces significant opposition from landowners and environmental groups concerned about its impact on property, landscapes, and sensitive habitats. Government entities like the State Corporation Commission and Virginia DEQ will review the project, which is a partnership involving Dominion Energy and others.

electricity environmental opposition government

5/1/2026

News Clipbethesdamagazine.com·Dickerson, Montgomery County, MD

Will the Dickerson data center project impact MoCo’s environment?

Environmental activists and local officials are raising concerns about the potential climate and water impacts of Atmosphere Data Centers' proposed 110-acre campus in Dickerson, Montgomery County, Maryland. The project, planned for a former coal plant site owned by Terra Energy, faces calls for 100% renewable energy use and a temporary moratorium on data center construction in the county due to its significant power and water demands.

environmental electricity water opposition moratorium government

4/7/2026

News Clipweirtondailytimes.com·Charleston, Kanawha County, WV

Plugged In: W.Va. works towards comprehensive energy plan

West Virginia is developing a comprehensive energy plan, the "50 by 50 plan," to significantly increase its electricity generation by 2050, primarily using fossil fuels, nuclear, and other alternatives. This strategy aims to bolster the state's electrical grid and energy security, attracting high-electricity-use businesses like data centers. The plan's first draft is expected soon, with public comment periods to follow.

electricity government

3/28/2026

News Clipdailycaller.com·WV

Americans On The Hook After Data Center Transmission Line Cost Suddenly Doubles$

A report indicates the cost of NextEra Energy's portion of the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) transmission line has doubled to $960 million. West Virginia ratepayers are projected to bear the brunt of this increased expense, funding electricity for data centers in Northern Virginia. This raises significant concerns about the financial impact on residents for data center infrastructure.

electricity government

3/27/2026

News ClipCleveland.com·OH

How Ohio’s data center boom became a gift to FirstEnergy — and a nightmare for everyone else$

This article discusses how the data center boom in Ohio has become a gift to utility company FirstEnergy, but a nightmare for everyone else due to concerns over the strain on the power grid and energy consumption.

electricity government

3/17/2026