Data Centers

Proposals to build data centers have ignited protests and local action across the state this year.

Last week, the Concord urged the company and engineers proposing to build a “micro” data center on Concord’s Locke Road to return with more precise information about the center’s electricity usage and its foreseeable effect on the regional power grid, as well as its potential for growth in both energy consumption and footprint.

In much of the country, the AI boom is driving the construction of hyperscale data centers. Not so much in New England. But change is coming. Here's how some in the region are preparing.

Levitate Inc. CEO Ryan Howard said the micro data center’s configuration and cooling technology differ substantially from hyperscale data centers.

Towns and cities across the region are using tools of local control to slow or stop data center development within their borders.

Across New England, data center opponents say they don’t trust the artificial intelligence industry

The week of Oct. 19, 2026, New England News Collaborative stations will explore some of the reasons why the AI data center boom hasn't reached New England — at least not yet— in a special series called Awaiting Data.

Public records show the owner of former coal-powered plant Merrimack Station are seeking an assessment for turning the property into a data center.

NH Senate President Sharon Carson announced Thursday that the Senate would explore legislation to “protect New Hampshire taxpayers from shouldering the costly demands of data center development and ensure our communities are not left to pay the price.”

La gobernadora Kelly Ayotte habló en contra de un posible centro de datos a hiperescala en Bow en la reunión del consejo ejecutivo y está planeando un moratorio estatal.