FirstEnergy

Data Center Signal is tracking 30 clips about FirstEnergy data center developments across 6 states, including WV, OH, VA, PA, MD.

30Clips

6States

States

Topics

electricity100%

government93%

opposition60%

environmental43%

zoning27%

announcement20%

water20%

moratorium13%

legal10%

News ClipRichland Source·Mansfield, Richland County, OH

Data center surge driving up electric costs across Ohio, consumer advocate warns

Ohio Consumers’ Counsel director Maureen Willis warned Mansfield City Council that rapid data center growth is contributing to higher wholesale electricity and capacity costs across Ohio. She urged the council and residents to oppose FirstEnergy subsidiary Ohio Edison’s proposed three-year rate increase, which could add up to $12.78 per month to customers’ bills by 2029.

electricity government

10/21/2026

News ClipMorrisons Cove Herald·Taylor, Blair County, PA

Taylor Twp Residents Voice Opposition to Proposed Data Center

Nearly 200 Taylor Township residents attended a special meeting to oppose a potential Terawatt Data Centers project at the former Appvion Paper Mill. Supervisors considered adding data center standards to the township’s land development ordinance, including requirements for noise, power, building size and water studies, while residents presented a petition with 2,300 signatures opposing the project.

zoning opposition environmental government electricity water

10/15/2026

News ClipThe Morning Call·Upper Mount Bethel, Northampton County, PA

Here’s how a Lehigh Valley town could get $50 million if it approves updated data center plans

Slate Belt Holdings submitted two updated designs for a proposed hyperscale data center campus in Upper Mount Bethel Township and outlined a nonbinding community benefits agreement worth up to $50 million. The project could include up to 2 gigawatts of electrical capacity, with payments tied to approvals, occupancy and power milestones, while the township prepares to hear a challenge to its data center zoning regulations.

zoning announcement government electricity environmental water

10/14/2026

News ClipCBS News·PA

Pennsylvania Utility Commission one step closer to increasing consumer protections against data centers

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission unanimously advanced a tentative order that would make new data centers and other large electricity users among the first customers curtailed during grid emergencies if they lack sufficient power supply. The proposal would also prevent utilities from classifying those users as protected critical loads, with public comments due before a final order expected in January.

electricity government announcement

10/2/2026

News ClipRappahannock News·Louisa County, VA

Dominion unveils route changes for Valley Link Transmission line$

Dominion Energy has revised potential routes for the 115-mile Valley Link Transmission line, with the main changes in Louisa and Buckingham counties. Louisa County officials and affected residents continue to oppose the project, which would carry 6.6 gigawatts of power toward Northern Virginia's data center-heavy region.

electricity opposition announcement government

10/1/2026

News Clipwashingtonsun.com·Fluvanna County, VA

Virginia Countryside Threatened by Data Center Power Infrastructure

Massive data center power demand in Northern Virginia is leading to widespread environmental destruction across rural parts of the state, including new power lines and power plants, even in counties without data centers. Residents are advocating for a moratorium on data center development due to these impacts and rising utility rates, while Governor Spanberger's administration has taken some steps to raise standards and costs for data centers but faces criticism for not doing enough.

electricity water moratorium opposition environmental government

9/27/2026

News Clipfactcheck.org·OH

Ohio Democratic Ads Connect Husted to Bribery Scandal, Despite No Charges of Wrongdoing

Democratic ads in the Ohio Senate race are connecting Republican Sen. Jon Husted to a political bribery scandal involving FirstEnergy and a 2019 nuclear-power bailout law, despite Husted not being charged with wrongdoing. The scandal, which led to federal charges and convictions for others, is highlighted in the ads claiming Husted's role in the bailout increased electricity costs for Ohioans. Husted's campaign maintains his actions were to diversify energy and save nuclear plants, while experts suggest data centers are a significant driver of rising electricity costs in the state.

electricity government legal

9/9/2026

News ClipAkron Beacon Journal·OH

Data Centers Contribute to Rising Electricity Costs in Ohio

The Ohio Consumers' Counsel argues that the rapid growth of data centers is significantly contributing to rising electricity costs for residential consumers across Ohio. The OCC is advocating for policies, such as special tariffs, to ensure data centers bear their full share of new infrastructure costs rather than shifting them to families and small businesses.

electricity government

9/1/2026

News ClipCrain's Cleveland Business·OH

FirstEnergy CEO says data centers will cut your electric bill. Experts aren’t so sure.

FirstEnergy CEO Brian Tierney claims data centers will lead to lower electric bills for Ohio residents. However, energy experts disagree, citing surging demand from data centers and strain on aging infrastructure as potential concerns.

electricity

8/25/2026

News ClipNOTUS·Fluvanna County, VA

Virginia data centers drive new power infrastructure, prompting calls for statewide moratorium

Data centers in Northern Virginia are driving proposals for massive new power lines and a gas-fueled power plant across central and western Virginia, threatening natural landscapes and potentially raising utility rates. Residents in affected counties, like Fluvanna, face eminent domain for infrastructure to support data centers over 100 miles away, sparking a bipartisan movement for a statewide data center moratorium. Governor Spanberger maintains it is a "local choice," but critics argue the impacts are statewide.

electricity environmental opposition government moratorium

8/21/2026

News ClipWest Virginia Public Broadcasting·WV

State Leaders Unveil Data Center Development Plan; Some Skeptical

West Virginia leaders, including Gov. Patrick Morrisey, unveiled the West Virginia Responsible Data Center Development Plan, aimed at attracting hyperscale data centers through criteria established by House Bill 2014. However, Energy Efficient WV expressed skepticism, questioning why FirstEnergy is seeking to charge ratepayers for a power plant if developers are meant to procure their own energy resources.

government announcement electricity opposition

8/11/2026

News ClipAkron Beacon Journal·Akron, Summit County, OH

New FirstEnergy deals focus on rising data center electricity demands

FirstEnergy is entering into new agreements to address the increasing electricity demands from data centers. These deals indicate the utility company's focus on managing the growing power needs driven by the expanding data center industry.

electricity

8/4/2026

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