News Summary
Virginia is witnessing a rapid increase in data center development, primarily in Loudoun County, where the infrastructure struggles to keep pace with growing demands. Over 143 data centers are raising concerns about their impact on the local power grid and community life. As discussions on energy sources and community infrastructure heat up, residents worry about property values and the implications of new high-voltage power lines. A public hearing is scheduled to address these urgent issues and ensure a balance between technology expansion and community well-being.
Virginia is experiencing a surge in data center development, especially in Loudoun County, where over 143 data centers have raised alarms about the impact on the local power grid and community. As technology companies maneuver to meet the increasing demands for energy, especially due to the rise of artificial intelligence applications, the strain on Virginia’s infrastructure is becoming more apparent.
During a broadband event on September 16, 2025, an analysis presented by Drew Clark, CEO of Broadband Breakfast, highlighted the pressing issues surrounding Loudoun County’s status as “data center alley.” Located just 30 miles from Washington, D.C., this region is handling a significant portion of the nation’s internet traffic, which currently consumes about 4% of the country’s electricity. Projections suggest that this consumption could escalate to 12% within five years as the demand for computing power continues to grow.
The exponential growth in data center operations is primarily driven by four essential elements: access to physical land, fiber connectivity, reliable electricity, and water. However, the local community harbors significant concerns regarding the potential effects of additional data centers on their quality of life and property values. Many residents oppose the proposed high-voltage transmission lines by Dominion Energy, which would create connections between substations and the more than 100 data centers in the area. There is fear that the presence of these lines could diminish property values in Loudoun Valley Estates.
Dominion Energy is working to establish a reliability loop of power to support the ongoing data center expansion, with routes for this project already approved and under construction. However, resistance remains as the Loudoun County School Board has opposed two proposed power line routes that would come into contact with school property unless those lines can be buried. This ongoing debate reflects the tension between infrastructure needs and community concerns about high-voltage power lines situated in residential areas.
The growing demand for data centers raises additional questions regarding energy sources. Some prominent technology companies, which once prioritized renewable energy exclusively, are now exploring partnerships with nuclear power plants, acknowledging that relying solely on renewables might not fulfill their escalating energy requirements. This development signifies a significant shift in the strategies employed by companies to procure energy efficiently.
As the data center industry expands in Loudoun, there remain challenges associated with critical infrastructure. The necessity for more internet exchange points across the U.S. has been emphasized, as many states currently lack these essential facilities. Furthermore, planning officials and community organizers find themselves grappling with the economic impacts of substantial growth in the data center sector, which necessitates careful zoning and regulatory changes.
Recently, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors adopted amendments to zoning ordinances to influence how data center applications are processed, igniting further debate around the future of data centers in the region. A grandfathering resolution allows data center applications submitted before February 12 to avoid new regulations, prompting concern from residents and environmental groups about potential unchecked growth and its ramifications.
In total, Loudoun County contains approximately 46 million square feet of existing data centers, with an additional 61.5 million square feet potentially permitted for future development. The implications of this growth on local taxes, environmental standards, and community life have led to increasing public discontent and calls for more thorough review processes and community engagement.
A public hearing is set for September 18, with an official hearing by the State Corporation Commission on December 15 regarding the proposed power routes. Local efforts aim to address the growing concerns surrounding data center expansion and its considerable influence on the region’s infrastructure and community dynamics.
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Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
