Butler County officials are exploring the possibility of attracting data center development to the region as artificial intelligence infrastructure transforms Western Pennsylvania’s economic prospects.

While discussions remain preliminary, the county’s existing power infrastructure and strategic location have positioned it as a potential player in the expanding data center market.

Joe Saeler, executive director of the Community Development Corporation of Butler County, confirmed ongoing conversations about data center locations within the county. The primary challenge, he said, centers on electrical infrastructure capacity.

“We’re used to dealing with kilowatts in Butler County, and data centers deal in megawatts,” Saeler said. “That’s the conversation everywhere. Where do we have infrastructure to be able to handle it?”

Butler County already hosts one data center. Iron Mountain operates a data center in Boyers, providing Saeler with firsthand experience in understanding the industry’s requirements and economic impact.

The county requires major electrical upgrades to support additional large-scale data center development. Any company interested in building a facility would need to conduct load studies to determine precise power demands throughout the day. These studies typically require at least six months to complete, Saeler said.

Butler County would mandate natural gas as the primary power source for any new data centers. It’s a requirement that aligns with the county’s existing energy infrastructure and environmental considerations, he said.

The economic benefits of data center development extend across multiple sectors. Saeler estimates construction of a new facility would create 400 to 500 temporary jobs. The permanent employment outlook depends on the specific type of data center constructed.

“Working with Iron Mountain, the jobs created there are huge,” Saeler said. “It’s the wave of the future, especially with AI. Trying to be part of technology and staying ahead of it is important.”

Short-term economic activity would benefit local hotels and restaurants as construction workers require overnight accommodation and meals. Long-term benefits include adding facilities to tax rolls, generating sustained revenue for local government services.

The ripple effects would extend to small businesses across the county, he said. HVAC maintenance, building maintenance and cleaning companies would all see increased demand. Saeler suggested the industry might even spark creation of new small businesses to serve data center needs.

Local educational institutions stand ready to help residents access data center employment opportunities. Slippery Rock University’s engineering department could provide technical expertise, while the Workforce Assessment Board could develop training programs for permanent positions, Saeler said.

Butler County Community College might also develop specialized programs to equip residents with necessary skills, he said. This coordinated approach would help ensure local workers can compete for high-quality jobs that data centers offer.

Road infrastructure poses minimal concern for Butler County, said Saeler. The county requires construction contractors to bond roads, making them responsible for repairing any damage caused during the building process.

The electrical grid presents a more complex challenge. A spokesperson for FirstEnergy, which operates West Penn Power in the region, said the company maintains a planning team to handle data center requests. The spokesperson emphasized that all requests receive individualized analysis to prevent power shortages or outages for existing customers.

While state legislators have discussed taxing data centers, no legislation has advanced through the Pennsylvania House or Senate to date.

Saeler stressed the importance of community involvement throughout any major development project. Public meetings would be held to address questions about data security, privacy and corporate responsibility.

“Anytime I’m taking on massive projects like this, we have public meetings throughout the entire project to make sure the community is involved and understands what’s in place — if there’s any risks, what they are and how we’re able to mitigate those public risks,” Saeler said. “Public safety will always be our No. 1 priority.”

Environmental sustainability remains a priority. Saeler noted that while budgets always factor into decisions, the county tries to design projects to be as environmentally friendly as possible, incorporating sustainable features whenever feasible.

Butler County’s deliberations occur against a backdrop of significant data center development throughout Western Pennsylvania. Two major projects in neighboring counties illustrate the scale and complexity of modern data center facilities.

In Beaver County, Shippingport Borough Council approved zoning modifications in early February to accommodate a $10 billion data center campus planned for the site of the former Bruce Mansfield coal-fired power plant. Texas-based Aligned Data Centers plans to construct up to three data centers, each about 600,000 square feet, along with supporting infrastructure, including natural gas power generation, stormwater management facilities and parking for 250 vehicles.

The borough still must resolve questions about noise levels during around-the-clock construction before granting final approval. A hearing is scheduled within the next few months to address these concerns.

Joanna Soucy, executive vice president of brand strategy at Aligned Data Centers, said the company is working to align its proposal with community needs.

“We are very excited about the prospect of joining the Shippingport community,” Soucy said. “We are working closely and transparently with all appropriate local bodies and city officials to ensure our proposed project aligns with the community’s vision and requirements. Our goal is to be a great neighbor for years to come.”

Richard Urick, borough solicitor, said conditional use approval has been granted, though several procedural steps remain. The company must formally acquire the property, return for subdivision approval and obtain building permits.

Urick advised other communities considering data centers to plan proactively.

“Advance plan and anticipate,” Urick said. “If you have an area in the community where a data center could go, don’t wait until the last minute to enact zoning regulations that are protective of your community.”

In Indiana County, Homer City Redevelopment is overseeing transformation of the former Homer City coal plant site into an energy campus that will support data center operations. A spokesman for the project said critical infrastructure is already in place, including transmission lines connected to PJM and NYISO power grids, substations and water access.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued air-quality plan approval in November, confirming the project will comply with state air-quality regulations. Seven high-efficiency gas-fired turbines from GE Vernova are on track for first delivery in 2026, with the facility expected to begin producing power in late 2027 or early 2028.

The spokesman called the Homer City energy campus a game changer for energy generation in the state, boosting economic opportunities across the region.

For Butler County, the question is not whether data centers represent an important economic opportunity, but how to position the county to compete for these projects while protecting existing residents and businesses.

The ongoing work with FirstEnergy to assess power distribution capabilities will prove critical. As demand for AI infrastructure continues to grow, communities with adequate electrical capacity and strategic planning will have a competitive advantage in attracting investment.

Saeler’s emphasis on jobs and new money coming into the area captures the fundamental appeal of data center development. Success will depend on careful planning, infrastructure investment and maintaining public trust throughout the process.

This article originally appeared in the March edition of Butler County Business Matters.