$2 Billion Natural Gas Plant Proposed for Carroll County, Ohio

For those living in Carroll County, the landscape of Washington Township is about to face a massive industrial shift. The proposal for a $2 billion natural gas-powered electric plant by Chestnut Run Energy isn’t just another utility project; it is a project of a scale that could fundamentally alter the local economic and environmental footprint. When we talk about a facility capable of producing 1,300 megawatts of electricity—enough to power as many as 900,000 homes—we are talking about an operation that dwarfs much of the existing infrastructure in the immediate area.

The specifics of the site are already being mapped out with precision. The proposed 30-acre facility is slated to sit within a larger 240-acre tract of privately owned land, positioned southeast of Mobile Road NE and Cobbler Road NE. To set this in perspective for locals, the site is located just over a mile northeast of the existing Carroll County Energy plant. While the existing plant is a 700-megawatt facility spanning 77 acres along state Route 9, the Chestnut Run Energy proposal aims for nearly double the power output, signaling a significant intensification of energy production in this specific corridor of Carrollton.

Navigating the Regulatory Gauntlet and the OPSB

Getting a project of this magnitude off the ground requires more than just capital; it requires a series of rigorous approvals from the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB). The project is currently under intense scrutiny through two specific applications for Certificates of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need. Case No. 25-1065-EL-BGN covers the generation facility itself, while Case No. 25-1066-EL-BTX addresses the generation-tie line necessary to plug the plant into the regional electric system. For residents, these case numbers are the keys to tracking the project’s legal progress via the official regulatory filings.

The community has already begun the process of engagement, with two Public Information Meetings held in December 2025 at the Carrollton Exempted Village Schools cafeteria. These initial gatherings were designed to notify the public and solicit input on the project’s scope. But, the process is now moving into a more formal, legal phase. The Ohio Power Siting Board has scheduled a local public hearing for May 21 at 6 p.m. At Carrollton Elementary School, located at 205 Scio Road SW. This is where the “rubber meets the road” for community members, as the hearing will allow for sworn testimony. The process is strict: individuals must register upon arrival, will be called in the order they sign in, and are limited to three minutes of testimony per person.

Following the local hearing, the process moves to the state capital. An evidentiary hearing is set for June 3 at 10 a.m. At the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio offices in Columbus. Unlike the local meeting, this proceeding is where the applicant, regulatory staff, and intervening parties present expert testimony and evidence. This two-step hearing process is the standard mechanism for ensuring that a major utility facility meets the state’s requirements for public need and environmental safety.

Corporate Backing and Economic Forecasts

The financial weight behind Chestnut Run Energy LLC is substantial. The project is owned by an affiliate of ArcLight Capital, a Boston-based investment group, and is being developed by Advanced Power, a global energy company with North American offices in both Boston and Houston. This combination of private equity and specialized development expertise is typical for projects of this scale, where the upfront capital expenditure—$2 billion in this case—is immense.

From a local economic standpoint, the promises are enticing but varied. The developers suggest that construction could begin as early as late 2026. This phase is expected to create approximately 500 construction jobs, providing a significant short-term boost to local trades and services. However, the long-term employment footprint is much smaller, with only about 20 full-time positions expected once the plant is operational. This disparity between temporary construction surges and permanent operational staffing is a common trend in modern energy infrastructure, often leaving local governments to weigh the short-term economic spike against the long-term land-use changes.

As this project moves toward a potential start date, residents are encouraged to seek more information through the regional development reports to understand how such a facility impacts local property values and infrastructure. The scale of 1,300 megawatts represents a massive injection of energy into the grid, but for the people of Washington Township, the primary concern remains the immediate impact on their backyard.

Local Resource Guide: Protecting Your Interests

Given my background in analyzing regional infrastructure and industrial development, I know that when a $2 billion project lands in a rural or semi-rural area, the average homeowner can feel overwhelmed by the technical jargon of the Ohio Power Siting Board. If this development impacts your land, your business, or your quality of life in Carroll County, you cannot rely solely on the developer’s brochures. You need independent, professional advocacy.

Depending on your specific situation, here are the three types of local professionals Consider consider engaging to ensure your interests are protected:

Land Use and Zoning Attorneys

You need a legal expert who specializes specifically in Ohio utility law and “eminent domain” or easement negotiations. Look for an attorney who has a proven track record of representing landowners against major utility companies. They should be able to help you navigate the OPSB case filings and ensure that any agreements regarding land use or tie-line placement are fair and legally binding.

Environmental Impact Consultants

While the developers provide their own impact studies, hiring an independent consultant can provide a necessary second opinion. Look for professionals certified in environmental science or hydrology who can analyze how a 30-acre industrial site might affect local groundwater, air quality, and noise levels. A reputable consultant will provide a data-driven report that can be used as evidence during the May 21 public hearing.

Industrial Real Estate Appraisers

Standard residential appraisers may not have the expertise to value land affected by a major power plant or high-voltage tie lines. Seek out a certified appraiser with experience in “diminution of value” cases. They can help you determine if the proximity to the Chestnut Run Energy facility negatively impacts your property value, which is critical if you are negotiating compensation for easements or seeking damages.

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