Licking County Pipeline: About

About the Licking County Pipeline

Project Overview

The Licking County Pipeline is a proposed natural gas transmission project in Licking County, Ohio. The pipeline would extend approximately 24 miles and consist of 24-inch steel pipe designed to operate at pressures up to 850 psig.

The line is being developed to power an off-grid data center. It will also be available for future expansion of The Energy Cooperative's distribution system. This behind-the-meter generation is intended to support local economic development while reducing pressure on the regional electric grid.

The pipeline will be buried underground in a dedicated right-of-way and designed for in-line inspection and ongoing monitoring.

Approximate Length: 24 miles
Pipe Diameter: 24 inches (steel)
Estimated Capacity: Up to 500 million cubic feet per day
Maximum Operating Pressure: Up to 850 psig
Purpose: Serve a behind-the-meter electric generation facility for an off-grid data center and will also be available for future expansion of The Energy Cooperative’s distribution system in the area.
Construction Duration (estimated): 12–14 months
Construction Hours (typical): 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Estimated Construction Jobs: Approximately 250
Estimated Investment: About $130 million

Rates for The Energy Cooperative’s members are not expected to increase as a result of this project. The end-use customer will fund the facilities and associated costs.

The proposed route is being refined as engineering and environmental studies progress. The line is expected to:

Begin near existing natural gas infrastructure in Licking Township
Follow a generally east-west alignment through portions of rural and developing areas
Connect to a new electric generation facility that will serve a data center campus

An interactive project map will be available on this page. The map is expected to display:

The proposed pipeline route and project corridor
Major roads, townships and community boundaries
Major waterbodies and other key features

The map is provided for general information purposes only and should not be used as a precise locator of underground facilities. For any digging or construction activities, always contact OHIO811.

Western Licking County is experiencing significant growth, including the development of new data centers. These facilities require dependable, around-the-clock power.

To support this growth:

The pipeline will deliver natural gas to a behind-the-meter power plant serving an off-grid data center. It will also be available for future expansion of The Energy Cooperative’s distribution system.
This structure reduces the need to add large new loads to the regional electric grid.
It contributes to the reliability of the overall energy system by bringing additional natural gas supply into the area.

The project is intended to:

Support new investment and job creation in Licking County
Help maintain reliable energy service for existing members
Align with The Energy Cooperative’s mission to provide safe and reliable energy

Once placed in service:

The pipeline will be monitored and controlled from our gas control center 24/7/365.
Trained personnel will operate and maintain the line in accordance with state pipeline safety regulations.
The pipeline will be designed to accommodate in-line inspection tools to help monitor the condition of the line over time.
Valves and other facilities will be strategically located to support safe and reliable operation.

About the Licking County Pipeline

Project at a Glance

Route & Project Map

Why This Pipeline is Needed

How the Pipeline Will Operate