Appalachian Power Pegs Google Botetourt Grid Upgrades at 264 Million

Appalachian Power’s Sept. 4 SCC filing estimates $264 million in transmission and substation upgrades to serve Google’s planned data centers at Botetourt Center at Greenfield.

The utility said Google’s peak demand would be about 300 megawatts, a figure not previously public. Appalachian told Cardinal News other customers are not expected to pay more because added revenue should offset the work, citing tech companies’ Ratepayer Protection Pledge.

Upgrades cover nearly 20 miles of line conversions and multiple substations, with a target in-service date of Nov. 15, 2029. Google paid $14 million for 312 acres and has a grading permit; the county performance agreement cites at least $3 billion investment and 150 jobs.

Neighbors still raise water and tax concerns. Google and the county said the first building will use air cooling to cut water use from Carvins Cove.