Wellington officials to discuss proposed data center, power agreement

WELLINGTON, Kan. (KWCH) — Another Kansas community is taking up the issue of data centers, and this time the conversation is in Wellington.

City leaders are expected to discuss a proposed data center on the north end of town as Wellington enters early negotiations with Cormor, the company behind the project.

Cormor’s plans call for a “waterless” and “battery-free” facility. The company says the project would create temporary construction jobs and about 18 permanent positions, with salaries around $75,000.

A key part of the discussion involves a letter of intent that would allow the data center to buy electricity from the city. Wellington City Manager Jeff Porter said the city is confident it can supply the power without straining the system.

“The city operates two generation facilities. Between the two, we can operate at about 40-ish megawatts and right now, we aren’t using all of our capacity, which is one of the reasons they’ve approached us,” Porter said.

Porter said if the project moves forward, the facility could also be available for local businesses to use, including banks, health care providers and small businesses.

Some residents told KWCH 12 News they are cautious but hopeful a project like a data center could help the community, as long as it does not result in cuts to city services.

“If it brings work to this town and it’s a plus, then I’m all for it because this town is fading away,” Wellington resident Tom Coury said.

City council discussion is expected to continue as the project remains in the early stages.