ASHVILLE, Ohio — PowerConneX, Inc. has formally updated its commitments to the local community as it seeks state approval to construct a natural gas-powered electric generating facility in Pickaway County.
In an August 10, 2026, filing with the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB Docket No. 26-196-EL-BGN), legal counsel for PowerConneX submitted a revised package outlining tens of millions of dollars in financial contributions aimed at benefiting the Village of Ashville, local emergency services, and the Teays Valley School District.
The document, submitted by law firm Dickinson Wright PLLC on behalf of the developer, supersedes a previous filing from July 31.
Major Financial Commitments Proposed
According to the filed document, PowerConneX’s revised proposal includes significant financial backing for local infrastructure, public safety, and education, contingent upon project approval:
- Teays Valley School District: Up to $77,440,000 in direct contributions.
- EPA Infrastructure Escrow: Up to $35,000,000 dedicated to local infrastructure needs governed by EPA standards.
- Local Emergency Response: Up to $3,000,000 designated for the Township Fire Department.
- Annexation & Utility Support: Additional financial packages linked to future property annexations and Development and Service Agreement (DSA) terms, supporting local water and wastewater infrastructure.
Key Conditions and Requirements
The financial commitments carry specific caveats tied to the project’s final regulatory hurdles.
The funds are set to be released following the receipt of a final, non-appealable certificate for the energy center from the OPSB and the issuance of final certificates of occupancy for the accompanying data center.
Furthermore, the document outlines “no-obligation” stipulations. PowerConneX explicitly states it will not be required to perform or pay out these commitments if:
- The Village of Ashville opposes, objects to, or intervenes against the application.
- The OPSB certificate is denied or the application is withdrawn.
- The project experiences unreasonable municipal delays or targeting through restrictive local ordinances.
Future annexation funding is also specifically conditional on the successful annexation and rezoning of neighboring properties required for a potential second phase of the development.
What’s Next?
The PowerConneX Ashville Energy Center is designed to power an adjacent data center complex.
With the second supplemental response officially docketed in Case No. 26-196-EL-BGN, the Ohio Power Siting Board staff and administrative law judges will continue reviewing the commitments as part of the formal certification process.
