Proposed Gas Power Plant in Aiken County
Update as of 4/28/26
We have learned that 3 properties comprised of 6 parcels with a total acreage of 581 acres have been successfully optioned by Aiken Energy Center, LLC on behalf of LS Power. This is very concerning news and means our fight has just begun! See map below for approximate locations of optioned land. The contracts on the land have an initial 1-year term and then an option for Aiken Energy Center, LLC to renew for 3 more years.
FAQs About Optioned Property
An “optioned” property for a future gas plant means the developer—often through an entity like LS Power or a project-specific LLC—has secured the right, but not the obligation, to purchase that land at a later date under agreed terms. The current landowner still holds title, but they are typically restricted from selling to others while the option is in place. During this option period, the developer conducts due diligence—studying zoning, environmental impacts, water access, transmission connections, and regulatory approvals—to decide whether to move forward. If the project is approved and deemed viable, the developer “exercises” the option and completes the purchase; if not, the option can expire and the land remains with the owner. In practical terms, an option signals serious intent and gives the developer control over the site without committing full capital upfront, while keeping the project somewhat out of public view until plans are more concrete.
We have reviewed the documents on the options and they all have a 1-year initial option expiring in March or April of 2027 depending on when the option was created. After the initial 1-year period, the developer, at their sole discretion, has the option to extend it until March/April of 2031. The best case scenario is we can fight them during this next year and they choose not to renew.
In most cases, a landowner cannot simply change their mind once they’ve signed an option agreement. The contract gives the developer the exclusive right to purchase the property during a set time period, and the landowner is legally bound to honor that agreement. Backing out early would typically require the developer’s consent or could expose the landowner to legal action for breach of contract. That said, if the developer chooses not to exercise the option—or if the option period expires—then the landowner regains full control and is free to sell or use the property as they wish.
For a large power plant in South Carolina, the next major step after securing land options is typically applying to the South Carolina Public Service Commission for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Convenience and Necessity (CECPCN). This is a key approval under the state’s siting laws and is required before construction can begin.
However, it’s not always strictly before all other permits are applied for. In practice, developers often pursue certain environmental studies and may begin coordinating with agencies (like air and water regulators) in parallel. The PSC process is still the central, high-level approval where the state evaluates whether the project meets legal standards for environmental impact, public need, and overall reasonableness. Without PSC approval, the project cannot move forward to construction, even if other permits are in progress.
Unfortunately, there is very little our county council can do to stop the construction of the power plant. All utility approvals happen at the state level. Our County Council can help advocate for us, but they do not have the power to stop a project.
The zoning of these areas do not preclude the use of power plant. In addition, if the state determines these plants are in the best interest of the state, the zoning will not protect the properties.
FAQ's About the Gas Powered Power Plant Project
Land agents, on behalf LS Power, are optioning land near the New Holland substation with the intent to choose a site for gas-fired power plant(s) to power new data centers.
LS Power, a power and energy infrastructure company, is seeking to purchase farmland in the eastern part of Aiken County to support construction of a future gas power plant on 100 acres of undeveloped land. The land they are actively trying to purchase is prime farmland near sensitive areas including streams, wildlife habitat, horse farms and residential homes. This plant will also be near Shaw’s Creek (a major water source for Aiken County). They are currently pursuing farm land purchases on New Holland road near the current substation (they have also pursued land deals on Fox Pond Road near the Verizon tower). Land agents for LS Power have been actively contacting land owners in the area with offers to purchase their properties for up to 3 times their value. Out of state investors are actively targeting areas like our community to exploit our affordable land and natural resources. Click below to read more about LS Power’s attempt to purchase local farms in the Post and Courier.
If you hit a paywall, you can view pdf here: 20260329 gas plant spec P&C & Aiken Std
We do not yet know the exact size or cost of the project as the companies are currently in the speculative phase. Now is the time to push back while these projects are in the early stages.
Land agents, on behalf LS Power, are optioning land near the New Holland substation with the intent to choose a site for gas-fired power plant(s) to power new data centers.
Update as of 4/24/2026: It has come to our attention to a company registered in Deleware working under LS Power has successfully optioned 3 properties on the east side of Aiken.
Before they can proceed, they must option suitable land (current situation) and apply to the South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC) for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Convenience and Necessity (CECPCN) – a required step before other permits are applied for and construction can begin.The PSC must ultimately decide whether this project meets South Carolina’s legal standards for environmental compatibility, public necessity and financial viability.
LS Power will also need other permits and approvals to move forward with this proposed gas plant. They would also need to apply for a Fee In Lieu of Taxes (FILOT) with Aiken County and that has not happened yet. We will continue to monitor these processes and will update this webpage with additional opportunities for public involvement.
- The gas plant is proposed for a greenfield site in Aiken County with many precious natural features, including a stretch of Shaw’s Creek and its associated wetlands, and is in the Edisto water basin. Shaw’s Creek is shallow, narrow, and slow-moving stream that provides the majority of water for Aiken.
- Even if these streams and wetlands are not directly filled or rerouted, which could become necessary during construction, they will be disturbed by the siting and construction of this project.
- Streams and wetlands are extremely important resources that contribute to water quality, filtration of pollutants and resilience in the face of more extreme weather events.
- Decisions about where to locate major energy infrastructure should prioritize avoiding sensitive natural areas whenever possible, especially when alternative sites or energy strategies exist.
- The proposed facility will require water for its operation, yet critical details remain unclear, including how much water will be used, where it will be sourced and what contingency plans are in place if air-cooling systems fail.
Noise:
- Gas-fired power plants produce significant industrial noise, with equipment generating 80-155 decibels at the source. Even with acoustic mitigation, noise levels near the facility can be comparable to standing next to a busy highway or operating industrial machinery continuously. Horses and wildlife in close proximity may experience chronic stress from constant loud noise, which can affect their behavior, welfare, and ability to communicate within herds
- Startup and shutdown operations can produce sudden loud sounds (up to 20 decibels higher than normal operation) from steam venting and equipment cycling, which may startle horses even after they’ve habituated to baseline noise levels.
See graphic below to see the approximately 2 mile radius that will potentially be impacted by noise (there are 491 parcels in this area):
Air Quality
- This gas plant would expose the surrounding community to fine particulate matter, a harmful form of air pollution linked to adverse health outcomes such as respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, asthma, and increased risk of heart attack, stroke and cancer.
- Children, seniors and people with existing respiratory or health conditions would be especially vulnerable to these impacts.
- Modern gas-fired power plants emit primarily water vapor and carbon dioxide, along with nitrogen oxides and trace pollutants. While cleaner than coal or oil plants, horses have sensitive respiratory systems, and the impact depends heavily on distance, prevailing winds, and facility compliance with environmental standards.
Cost and energy implications
- We do not yet know the cost of this specific plant but these infrastructure projects are typically billions and are usually passed on to Aiken Electric Co-Op ratepayers, who are already experiencing rising energy bills
- The long-term financial risks of locking customers into decades of gas power infrastructure deserve careful scrutiny, particularly as cleaner, less costly alternatives exist and continue to advance.
Growth pressure and land-use change
- Placing a combined-cycle gas plant in this area could permanently change the rural character of the 302 area of Aiken County.
- Large energy facilities rarely stand alone. They drive the expansion of heavy industrial uses, paving the way for data centers and other energy-intensive developments that increase pollution, strain infrastructure, and reshape communities.
- Per LS Power, this plant is being built primarily to enable new data centers, which are controversial land uses across the country and in Aiken County.
- New gas lines and high speed, above ground transmission lines would be required to build this project and transmit the power that is being generated.
Process and accountability
- Regulators must ensure that this project truly meets the legal standard of environmental compatibility and public convenience and necessity – not just in theory, but in practice.
- Under South Carolina law, LS Power must define the project’s probable environmental impact and demonstrate that the impact is justified.
- Public input must meaningfully inform the outcome, not be treated as a formality after key decisions have already been made.
- Sign petition below
- Contact your Aiken Councilman – click here to find your council member’s email address
Important Update!
As of 4/24/2026 THREE properties have accepted option agreements in the eastern corridor. The option agreements were signed with a company registered as Aiken Energy Center LLC.
