In August of 2023, I held an open, public meeting in the basement of the Waterford Public Library to gather information surrounding plans to build a hyperscale data center in the Town of Waterford. What quickly grew out of that meeting became a grassroots effort we named the Concerned Citizens of Waterford and East Lyme (CCWEL).

Through a coordinated effort lasting nearly three years, CCWEL members conducted research and shared transparent, source-cited information online for public access. I am here to write that our collective effort has paid off. At the time of writing, it was reported that the Host Fee Agreement between NE Edge-Waterford, LLC and the Town of Waterford has ended due to a default, with the agreement expiring according to its terms.  

We’re thrilled! The NE Edge-Waterford Data Center project has been resolved but remains acknowledged for future reference. Our concerns are increasingly important today, as communities nationwide face significant risks from unchecked, large-scale data center growth.

I cannot say enough about the help and expertise CCWEL got along the way. I wrote to the Consumer Counsel to express concerns that diverting 15% of Millstone’s power could increase electricity costs.  Next, the Connecticut Siting Council accepted written comments from residents and took them into account while reviewing Dominion’s application to change its boundaries.  

Thirdly, the Office of the Attorney General received letters expressing concerns about the monopolization of power — access to power no other commercial enterprise would have. And finally, Independent System Operator, New England (ISO-New England) whose website is user friendly, and their staff accommodating enough to explain complex energy concepts in laymen’s terms.

It was there where CCWEL was able to find and compile daily data about the operating conditions of Millstone reactors 2 and 3. In a stroke of luck, BOTH Millstone reactors were inoperable for a five-week period, and it was recorded on the ISO website. That alone debunked NE Edges’ false narrative that they didn’t need backup generators because of their proposed direct connection to nuclear reactors.

ISO-New England’s data contradicted their claim, and it was indisputable. The Office of Consumer Counsel, the Siting Council, the State Attorney General’s Office, and ISO-New England each conducted their intended roles effectively. I am thankful for those organizations and their staff who were there for Waterford and East Lyme residents.

We learned that our government must act transparently and include residents in decisions impacting their quality of life. Exclusion and secrecy resulted in poorly informed decisions and the approval of the Host Fee Agreement between the town of Waterford and NE Edge, LLC. Similarly, the notion floated by some that it is best to leave decisions like this to local government control instills a false sense of security — especially as municipalities with limited funding often have obsolete codes, insufficient expertise, and lack essential data required to thoroughly assess data center proposals.

It all leaves residents disadvantaged and vulnerable to well-funded business developers and sophisticated corporations. As proof, federal government has long abandoned adequate state funding. Consequently, states have not revised sound regulations, resulting in municipalities such as Waterford relying on outdated, unenforceable codes that remain embedded within local ordinances. That must change.

Ultimately, acknowledging the crucial contribution of our free press in reporting on the matter is vital.  Journalists representing CT Mirror, CT Insider, Channels 3 (Hartford), NBC Connecticut, and The Day reported on the Waterford Data Center story with professionalism, accuracy, and impartiality. Separately, we first broadcast our story from a recorded interview on SECT-TV to whom we will always be grateful. Without media coverage, CCWEL’s story would not have been as far reaching and informative as we had all hoped. On this occasion, truth, and transparency prevailed.

Bryan Sayles is Founder of Concerned Citizens of Waterford and East Lyme.