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Workgroup debates 0.25-mile transmission-line preference and utility eminent-domain limits
Summary
Committee discussed a proposed guideline to prefer site locations within 0.25 mile of high-voltage transmission lines to limit new transmission corridors; members cautioned that utilities' eminent-domain powers and project economics could undercut a fixed-distance rule.
Staff member proposed that data centers be sited within a quarter-mile of high-voltage transmission lines where possible to reduce the need for long new transmission corridors, arguing this would lower the chance of lines cutting through residential properties. "If you pick your lands adjacent to high transmission lines, you're not gonna have that problem," the staff member said.
Several committee members pushed back that a fixed-distance requirement may be ineffective because utilities have eminent-domain authority and a well-funded developer could pay to extend service. "If a data center has all the money in the world and they wanna pay that utility company to get to where they want it... that's gonna happen regardless of whatever distance you put on it," a committee member said. The group agreed to soften prescriptive distance limits and instead require preliminary grid-impact studies or LOAs showing feasibility.
