r/Jackson_TN • u/neokeelo • 14h ago
Data Center Under Construction In Humboldt, TN
The information in this article was confirmed by Mayor Arthur Boykin.
The project has secured all necessary approvals, including a feasibility study and load approval from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), as well as approval from the Humboldt Planning Commission. City and county economic development officials have been informed throughout the process and fully support the development due to its positive impact on the community. Project owners are funding all required utility infrastructure improvements, with approximately $180,000 already invested at no cost to Humboldt Utilities or its customers.
Humboldt Mayor Arthur Boykin emphasized that the project will not strain existing utility services.
Humboldt Utilities officials note that the data center will not reduce electric service reliability for existing customers. The area’s system peak demand was about 55 megawatts in 1996 and stands at roughly 40 megawatts today. Adding the new 15 MW load would simply return the system to levels successfully served nearly 30 years ago. TVA’s engineering review confirmed the regional grid can handle the additional demand.
To further protect reliability, the data center has agreed to curtail its electric load during extreme weather events or grid emergencies when requested by TVA. This makes the facility a flexible asset that can help prioritize power for homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and other critical needs.
Water demand from the facility is minimal, approximately 2 million gallons per year, compared to Humboldt Utilities’ largest industrial customer, which uses 2-3 million gallons per day. The data center will not discharge wastewater into the sewer system.
Located in an industrial area adjacent to the Gibson County Industrial Park and separated from residential neighborhoods, the project underwent an independent acoustical study. Results show it is not expected to create a detrimental noise impact on nearby properties.
Financially, the data center is projected to generate about $8.5 million in annual electric revenue for Humboldt Utilities. After costs, it is expected to produce more than $600,000 in net annual revenue. As a publicly owned utility, these funds will help ease pressure on residential and small business electric rates, strengthen the utility’s financial position, support infrastructure improvements, and maintain reliable service for the community