Trumbull Prepares for High-Demand AI Data Center Upgrade

Trumbull, Connecticut, is preparing to host one of the state’s first artificial intelligence data centers, a shift that raises immediate questions about energy consumption and local infrastructure. The facility at 80 Merritt Blvd. has operated for over 50 years, but plans are underway to convert it into a high-density, AI-ready hub. This development occurs despite the town recently passing a two-year moratorium on new data center construction, a measure that does not cover upgrades to existing sites.

According to a report from GN technics/ai (en-US), the upgrade is being evaluated by 365 Data Centers and Aphorio Carter. While Connecticut has several traditional data centers, it currently lacks known facilities specifically designed for AI workloads. This distinction matters because AI systems require significantly more power and cooling than standard servers, placing new demands on the local grid and water resources.

Energy Strain on Local Grids

The primary concern for residents and experts is the increased electrical load. Kenneth Gillingham, a professor at Yale School of the Environment, notes that while this is not a massive hyperscale facility, it will draw more power than the previous setup. This added pressure on the grid, particularly during peak hours, could lead to higher electricity rates for all consumers in the region.

Gillingham explains that utilities like Eversource and UI will likely need to purchase more expensive supply to meet this demand, costs that are ultimately passed on to households. The facility currently has a capacity of 15 megawatts, roughly equivalent to three large hospitals, but operators have every financial incentive to expand that capacity to 20 or 30 megawatts in the future.

Moratorium Limits and Local Concerns

The town’s new two-year moratorium was intended to pause new data center development, following similar actions in Morris, Groton, and West Haven. However, a legal loophole allows the Trumbull upgrade to proceed because it involves modifying an existing site rather than establishing a new one. Local residents, including Sherry Boyd, argue that this exemption undermines the purpose of the ban, leaving them vulnerable to immediate changes while waiting for broader protections.

First Selectman Vicki Tesoro stated that she has secured verbal agreements from the developers to limit electrical draw, noise, water use, and physical expansion. However, the town is still working to make these promises legally enforceable. Experts warn that without binding contracts, the data center owner may seek to expand capacity later, creating a long-term burden on local resources.

Uncertain Transparency and Future Expansion

Transparency remains a hurdle in this process. When requested, 365 Data Centers declined to share its letter of intent for the site, citing confidentiality and the non-binding nature of the document. There is currently no set timeframe for public announcements regarding the specific scope of the AI upgrades. This lack of detailed public information makes it difficult for residents to fully assess the long-term environmental and economic impact on their community.