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There has been some delay in the electrical infrastructure for a proposed data center campus near Allenwood.
Recently, the Union County Commissioners told PNK Group, the New York City-based developer of three proposed data centers, to stop construction of an electrical substation that would serve them, according to Pennlive.com.
Commissioners' in a cease-and-desist letter Wednesday said the board had not received the required approvals before starting work, which can continue in terms of safety aspects.
The so-called "Allenwood Project" is considered by the developer to be a necessary transmission investment to help PPL Electric Utilities safely and reliably serve growing demand for electricity by accommodating a new customer connection.
Work permitted is what is needed to secure the site, protect the environment and comply with safety requirements.
The developer has 30 days to confirm in writing that all non-protective construction activities have ceased and the county is prepared to seek legal recourse if the developer does not abide by the terms.
The substation work is adjacent to a 478,000 square-foot building in the Great Stream Commons business park north of Allenwood, part of which is to be retrofitted into a data center.
It appears a stormwater retention basin is being relocated and a modified access road will be built as part of the substation construction, the cease-and-desist letter states.
That letter is a follow up to one the commissioners sent Oct. 9 advising PNK Group that three days earlier it had denied its request for approval of the substation because of a lack of information.
The commissioners told PNK Group since it contends the substation is an integral component of a larger unified development of which the proposed data center campus is a part, they cannot evaluate the submission for it independently.
Commissioners say a piecemeal review of one component without full information regarding the scope, design, use, intensity and impact of the project as a whole would not protect the interests of other property owners, Pennlive reported.
The commissioners suggested PNK Group not resubmit an application for the substation until the Gregg Township supervisors act on an amendment to the zoning ordinance that will determine where data centers could be built in that municipality. That vote is anticipated next month.
The issue with the construction of the substation is between the county and the developer which has obtained a building permit from the township.
PPL has revealed its preferred route for a 230KV transmission line to provide power for the data centers.
PNK Group is paying all costs of the 6.8-mile line that will extend from a substation in the Elimsport area to the business park with costs to be determined.
The transmission investment is projected to help PPL Electric Utilities safely and reliably serve growing demand for electricity by accommodating a new customer connection.
The utility said it has received input from property owners, local officials, businesses and residents that has helped it to better understand local priorities, identify potential concerns and refine the route to minimize community and environmental impacts where practical while continuing to meet the project's objectives.
The transmission line would support growing energy needs including a new customer connection, specifically a data center.
PPL says its "Customer Protection Framework" helps ensure large-load growth occurs responsibly while protecting affordability, reliability and transparency for the customers and communities it serves.
The current preferred route, pending regulatory approval, will include building approximately 6.8 miles of new double-circuit 230 kV transmission line in Lycoming and Union counties.
The line will begin at the existing Elimsport substation, near Elimsport Road, and extend largely southeast for about 6.8 miles to a new customer facility near Route 15.
The transmission structures will be constructed of steel with a dark brown protective coating and are designed to be stronger and more weather-resistant.
Based on preliminary engineering, the monopole structures will likely range from about 90 to 180 feet, with an average height of around 140 feet. Actual pole heights will be determined during final engineering.
Safety for customers, communities and employees is a top priority to the utility which is committed to minimizing disruption as much as possible in any future construction.
Construction will include:
• Installation of environmental controls and access roads.
• Clearing of any trees in the new right-of-way.
• Installation of new steel transmission structures.
• Creation of temporary work pads and pull pad used to install new conductors.
• All temporarily disturbed areas will be restored upon completion of the project.
• Construction of the project is anticipated to begin in late 2027 and conclude by the end of 2029.
"PPL Electric is committed to keeping landowners, communities and stakeholders informed throughout the project," officials with the utility said in a statement on PPL's website. "We will continue engaging with municipal leaders, property owners and community members as planning and engineering work progresses."
A second informational open house will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 28 at Warrior Run Area Social Hall, 196 White Deer Ave., Allenwood for area residents to review the preferred route.
The project team will be available at information stations to discuss the project and answer questions one-on-one. There is no formal presentation, set agenda or large group question and answer session.
To submit a question or comment about the project, email allenwoodproject@pplweb.com.