Baltimore County Department of Planning, Data Center Study Meeting, April 8, 2026

This Baltimore County Department of Planning meeting held on April 8, 2026, focused on the data center interconnection and infrastructure challenges associated with large load customers, particularly data centers. Representatives from BGE detailed the multi-phase interconnection process for projects exceeding 50 megawatts, including deposit requirements, cluster studies, transmission security agreements (TSAs), and coordination with regulatory bodies such as PJM and FERC. The discussion emphasized the importance of site control, load ramp clarity, and the financial commitments required to advance projects. Additionally, Vice Chair Mike Turner from Loudoun County, Virginia, shared insights from his jurisdiction's extensive experience with data center development, highlighting issues such as power grid constraints, zoning, environmental impacts, and emerging trends like water-cooled systems and microgrids. The meeting underscored the growing complexity of accommodating data center power demands, the need for robust infrastructure planning, and the role of local governments in balancing development with community and environmental considerations. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this session, but the information provided is critical for future infrastructure and utility planning related to data center expansion in the region.