The article (The Day, June 16), “A question of energy,” by Daniel Drainville, on the proposed data center in Waterford has two glaring omissions.

First, the article only offers information that answers in the affirmative the headline's question of whether there is enough energy in the grid to support the data center. All of the responses appear as if taken from NE Edge's PR material without critical examination or rebuttal from sources that might disagree.

Also, the answers given do not seem to take into account the effects of the building of more than one data center on New England's energy grid. There also seems to be no cost analysis on how the data center would affect the cost of electricity for consumers in Connecticut.

Second, NE Edge proposes that the data center would be used for AI. However, I believe the company has no signed contracts in hand with any firm wanting to use the center for AI applications. NE Edge will lease the data center services to any company willing to pay its fees. It could very well be used for bitcoin mining or for adult entertainment streaming services.

As a PR measure, who would oppose progress and the seeming benefits of AI? But, really, “kick the tires on this buggy” since there's absolutely no guarantee it will be used for AI.

Gian Lombardo

Niantic