FirstEnergy

Data Center Signal is tracking 18 clips about FirstEnergy data center developments across 5 states, including WV, VA, OH, MD, NJ.

18Clips

5States

States

Topics

government100%

electricity100%

opposition72%

environmental50%

zoning33%

water17%

legal11%

announcement11%

moratorium11%

News ClipCharleston Gazette-Mail·Tucker County, WV

West Virginia Frustration Mounts Over State's Lag in Data Center Protections

Residents in West Virginia are expressing growing frustration over the state's perceived lack of protection against the impacts of data centers on power bills statewide, specifically highlighting a massive data center complex planned by Fundamental Data in Tucker County. This concern is underscored by FirstEnergy's proposal for a new gas-fired power plant in Monongalia County, which is driven by anticipated data center demand and would necessitate a rate hike.

electricity government opposition environmental

7/24/2026

News ClipCharleston Gazette-Mail·Tucker County, WV

WV frustration mounts amid evidence state is lagging in data center protection

West Virginia residents are increasingly frustrated by the state's insufficient protection against data center impacts on power bills. A major concern is FirstEnergy's proposed $2.47 billion gas plant in Monongalia County, anticipated to support a 1,012-megawatt data center project, which was the subject of a Public Service Commission hearing. Separately, Fundamental Data plans a significant data center complex in Tucker County, adding to the statewide dialogue on data center development.

electricity government opposition announcement

7/24/2026

News Clipdominionpost.com·Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV

Proposed FirstEnergy gas-fired power plant draws universal opposition at public hearing

A public hearing for FirstEnergy's proposed 1,200-megawatt Maidsville Energy Center in Morgantown, West Virginia, drew universal opposition. Critics cited concerns over the plant's necessity, potential rate increases for customers, and the impact on coal mining jobs, as the plant is intended to power a data center that has not yet committed to being built. An evidentiary hearing is currently underway for the project.

electricity opposition government

7/16/2026

News ClipRappahannock News·Sperryville, Rappahannock County, VA

Rappahannock Board of Supervisors grill FirstEnergy on Page-Sperryville power line plan$

Rappahannock County supervisors and residents are challenging FirstEnergy over its proposed Page-Sperryville transmission line rebuild. Concerns center on the project's visual impact on scenic views, property easements, and potential future support for data center development. Supervisors are demanding more detailed information before the project's application is filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

electricity environmental opposition government

7/7/2026

News Cliptheintermountain.com·Tucker County, WV

West Virginia Lawmakers Debate Data Center Law, Power Grid Projects Amid Local Opposition

West Virginia lawmakers are debating the state's data center district law (HB 2014) and its impact on local control, particularly concerning tax distribution and environmental effects. Discussions also covered two proposed regional electric transmission lines, partly driven by data center demand, with some legislators concerned about West Virginia ratepayers subsidizing power for Virginia's data centers. A specific project, Ridgeline by Fundamental Data in Tucker County, faces local opposition while awaiting approval.

electricity government opposition zoning environmental

6/20/2026

News ClipCharleston Gazette-Mail·WV

WV trailing other states in moves to protect ratepayers from data center impacts

West Virginia lawmakers are concerned about rising electric bills due to regional data center growth and the associated need for new transmission lines and power infrastructure. They questioned state regulators and utility representatives about protecting ratepayers, but were told federal regulators and utilities hold more agency. Other states are taking more aggressive action to control data center-related electricity costs.

electricity government environmental

6/18/2026

News Cliptheintelligencer.net·Charleston, Tucker County, WV

West Virginia Lawmakers Weigh In On Transmission Projects, Data Centers

West Virginia lawmakers are debating two proposed electric transmission line projects, which are partly attributed to growing data center demand. Simultaneously, Democratic lawmakers are advocating for amendments to House Bill 2014, a state law that streamlines data center development but restricts local government control, citing concerns from Tucker County residents about a proposed project.

electricity government opposition legal zoning environmental water

6/17/2026

News Clipmariettatimes.com·Tucker County, WV

West Virginia lawmakers debate electricity transmission projects, data center law

West Virginia lawmakers are debating electric transmission line projects intended to meet growing demand, partly driven by data centers, with concerns about ratepayer subsidies. Separately, Democratic lawmakers are pushing to amend House Bill 2014, the state's data center district law, to restore local control over data center development. A proposed data center project in Tucker County, Ridgeline, faces vocal local opposition.

electricity government opposition zoning environmental water

6/17/2026

News ClipNew Jersey 101.5·Holmdel, Monmouth County, NJ

New Jersey Utility Poles Upgraded Amid Data Center Debate

Taller, steel utility poles are being installed across northern Monmouth County, New Jersey, as part of a $30 million grid modernization project by Jersey Central Power and Light, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, for 25,000 homes and businesses. Despite rumors, JCP&L states the upgrades are for existing customers and grid reliability, not new data centers. However, the article highlights growing public opposition to data centers in New Jersey, with towns like Andover Township banning them and environmental groups pushing for a statewide moratorium.

electricity opposition moratorium government zoning

6/10/2026

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