Data centers.
Here in Hoptown.

No. Project Truckstop is the proposed 50 MW facility at a separate location. Project Brickyard studies conversion of the existing operation, served by Holland Substation, with approximately 15 MW under contract.

Our preliminary plan for Project Brickyard’s proposed 15 MW AI conversion uses a closed cooling loop and low-water heat rejection. At the September 28 hearing, we gave an estimate below 100,000 gallons a year. That averages below 274 gallons a day, about one U.S. household’s daily use. This is an estimate, not a measured limit.

A closed internal loop can still connect to an evaporative cooling tower. That choice would consume water. Our low-water approach favors dry heat rejection, which can use more electricity. The final equipment and water budget need engineering and HWEA review. HWEA has not confirmed available capacity for this project. The estimate does not describe today’s Bitcoin site or Project Truckstop.

Yes, some neighbors hear the Bitcoin site today. Its cooling fans can carry sound beyond the site. Hopkinsville already has a noise ordinance with day and night limits for industrial areas. We comply with the current ordinance and will continue to do so. The ordinance measures sound at the receiving property's boundary. It also prohibits noise disturbances below the numeric limits.

The proposed AI conversion would move heat through a closed liquid loop. It would still need equipment to release that heat, and some equipment may use outdoor fans. We expect a quieter design, but measurements must prove it.

Our proposed plan is an independent sound study with day and night readings at affected property boundaries near homes and churches. We would publish the results, seek written project limits, and correct sound that exceeds those limits. The study, project limits and correction process are proposals, not adopted conditions yet.

We cannot promise what your bill will be. TVA sets wholesale power terms. HES sets local customer rates, subject to TVA approval. HES publishes its residential rates.

TVA put separate data center rates into effect on October 1. Its rules also include a capacity commitment charge for certain new load. The charge for our projects has not been confirmed. Our September 30 agreement assigns the new substation’s actual construction cost to our project company. HES must receive our deposits before it makes matching commitments. None of this fixes future household rates.

We support data centers in industrial zones under clear rules. Our existing Bitcoin site has operated in Hopkinsville for about three years. As we said in July, no documented complaint had been brought directly to us at that time. Residents have since raised noise and water concerns in public. We take those concerns seriously and want measured answers.

Hopkinsville's current noise ordinance applies today, and we comply with it. Final setbacks and buffers for new facilities depend on adopted rules and reviewed plans. The illustrations do not establish those distances. We support measurable standards for noise, water, lighting and cleanup.

At the August 20 city Committee of the Whole meeting, HWEA General Manager Melissa Spurr reported recent water testing. She said the water had not been harmed by the existing data center. The city minutes do not include the test results. Her report describes the conditions tested at that time.

We support more testing at agreed locations and will cooperate with HWEA and state officials. The proposed AI conversion would use a closed cooling loop. That plan does not replace testing of current conditions.

Existing Bitcoin site: It operates today. We have no open local roles to announce here.

Project Brickyard: An AI conversion would need design, installation and startup work. We want qualified local electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors and technicians to bid on work that fits their skills.

Project Truckstop: A separate new facility would need construction work if approved and built. A conventional building could create opportunities for local construction trades. A modular design is also under study. We estimate construction could start in 2027 or 2028, subject to design, permits, utility work and approval. Permanent operating roles would follow. We have no confirmed job count or contract awards.

The city’s occupational license tax applies to eligible business profits and local wages. HES receives revenue from power sales. Kentucky collects sales tax on commercial electricity. That state sales tax is not city revenue.

If the AI projects are built, taxable land, buildings and equipment could add property tax for the city, county and schools. The amounts depend on what is built, who owns the equipment, any exemptions and official assessments. We are not claiming a fixed annual payment.

We are open to working with local leaders on a community benefit fund. No fund amount, source or terms have been agreed.

We support a removal plan and financial security for cleanup. The proposed ordinance includes decommissioning requirements.

A support statement is different from a posted bond or an executed agreement. The final requirements must identify who is responsible, what is secured and how the city can enforce them.

No. The hearing concerned proposed city zoning rules. Kentucky New Era reported that the Planning Commission returned the draft to Plan Review without a recommendation.

The projects still need design work and relevant approvals. A future meeting date should come from an official notice.