ADVISORY
September 9th, 2026
Ohio Power Siting Board Denies Company Request to Block Expert Testimony Describing Potential Impacts of 800MW Gas Plant
PowerConneX Sought to Secure Approval with Limited Information
ASHVILLE, Oh. — Developer PowerConneX asked the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) to block scheduled testimony from an Ohio River Valley Institute researcher, an environmental expert, and six local residents just days before they were scheduled to testify in front of OPSB staff. PowerConneX seeks approval of an 800MW behind-the-meter gas-fired power plant tied to a data center project in Ashville, Ohio.
Last week, PowerConneX asked the board to strike the testimony of experts drawing attention to the costs, questionable economic benefits, and environmental impacts of its proposed gas plant. The company then moved to block testimony from residents that would be impacted by this facility. Earlier today, the OPSB denied the company’s motion to block testimony from these experts and will later rule on the motion to block testimony for the remaining witnesses whose testimony was challenged by the company.
Four of the six residents plan to testify on behalf of Teays Valley Community Alliance (TVCA) on Thursday, September 10th. A researcher, an economist, and a research scientist will also be providing testimony on behalf of TVCA. A summary of the expert testimony is included below:
- An independent analysis indicates that the project’s economic impact could depend on various factors, including whether any stages of the project receive tax incentives. According to the testimony of Nick Messenger, Ph.D., Senior Economist with the Ohio River Valley Institute, the company potentially overstated the project’s contributions to local job growth and failed to initially disclose the data needed for independent verification of its analysis.
- As described, PowerConneX’s proposed plant would be highly inefficient and cost-ineffective relative to standard on-grid gas-fired power plants, requiring 32% more fuel and up to $200 million in additional operating costs annually. According to the testimony of Sean O’Leary, Senior Researcher with the Ohio River Valley Institute, excessive fuel costs and demand for skilled labor may result in inflationary impacts.
- The project’s human health impacts due to emissions of fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other air pollutants are estimated to cost from $83 million to $280 million. According to the testimony of John Bangsund, Ph.D., Director of Science & Technology at the Better Data Center Project, the pollutants expected from the facility’s operations are associated with numerous health impacts ranging from cardiovascular disease and respiratory illnesses to premature mortality.
Written testimony submitted by residents on behalf of TVCA can be found here, here, here, here, and here. The project has been met with staunch community opposition, including a resident-led referendum to repeal a municipal development supply agreement with PowerConneX.
WHO: Ohio Power Siting Board hearing on Case 26-0196-EL-BGN regarding PowerConneX, Inc.’s application for a behind-the-meter gas-fired generating station to fuel a data center project in Ashville, Ohio
WHAT: Testimony from residents and environmental and economic experts on behalf of Teays Valley Community Alliance.
WHEN: Thursday, September 10th, 9:00 AM ET
WHERE: Continental Office Building, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, 180 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
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