Utilities are hitting a wall of local resistance as they race to build high-voltage "superhighways" for data centers. (PBS)
For context: Utility spending on transmission is projected to double to $50B annually by 2028. While utilities argue added capacity benefits everyone, landowners see their property values and privacy damaged to serve a handful of tech giants.
The conflict is spreading nationwide. In the Midwest, five states are urging FERC to block a $22B transmission package. Residents in TX and PA are fighting lines that threaten rivers and orchards. And PA’s state consumer advocate is questioning why residents should fund a $1.7B “import” line when the state is already a major power exporter.