Who foots the bill in Falls if data center overwhelms electric grid? – Bucks Round-Up – October 28, 2025
Who foots the bill in Falls if data center overwhelms electric grid?
A federal watchdog is calling on regulators to deny a power pact between PECO and Amazon over concerns that Bucks County residents could face an increase in their utility bills if a planned mega–data center overwhelms the regional grid. Independent market monitor Joseph Bowring told the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that the deal fails to prove PECO can serve Amazon’s massive two-million-square-foot facility in Falls Township. The project, part of Amazon’s $20 billion investment in Pennsylvania, could burden the PJM power grid that serves a large part of the mid-Atlantic. Advocates warn that the data centers’ energy demand will override supply, possibly leading average electric bills to more than $70 a month. PECO says its agreement protects customers from higher transmission costs if Amazon’s project doesn’t proceed, but critics have pushed back, saying the safeguards will fall short. The dispute highlights a growing national challenge: how to meet the elevated power needs of AI-driven data centers without passing the bill to ordinary ratepayers.
Woman shot in Newtown Bypass road rage incident
A woman is recovering after a road rage encounter turned violent Monday evening on the Newtown Bypass. Middletown Township police say at 6:40 p.m. the confrontation began in Newtown Township when a man allegedly fired a shot that struck the woman in the wrist. The suspect then pursued her into Middletown Township, firing another round before speeding away from the area. Pennsylvania State Police arrested the suspect in Lower Makefield Township a short time later, confiscating a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting. The victim was rushed to the hospital and was last listed in stable condition. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name as the investigation continues.
Bensalem man charged with child exploitation crimes
A 62-year-old Bensalem man faces multiple felony charges after police say they uncovered hundreds of disturbing images of child sexual abuse on his devices. Detectives arrested Daniel Berry after a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led investigators to his Finley Avenue home. Berry was arraigned before District Judge Lisa Gaier and sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10% of $500,000 bail. Bensalem Police urge anyone with information about child exploitation to contact them at (215) 633-3719.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
