COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa. (WOWT) – MidAmerican Energy is proposing to upgrade power lines that run between two of its substations to meet growing energy demand, but residents in the Briarwood neighborhood are opposing the plan.
The proposed project would span 6.5 miles and replace existing lines that run near the Briarwood neighborhood with new, more powerful ones.
Officials with MidAmerican Energy say a new data center in the works in Council Bluffs will require the upgraded power lines to support higher energy demand.
“From our studies, what we’re seeing is in order to support that growth and provide reliable power, that this line is needed,” said Josh Birmingham, an engineer with MidAmerican Energy.
Residents question routing near homes
Residents question why the new lines will run near their homes instead of along Interstate 80. They worry the project will hurt property values, create noise and pose potential health risks.
Terry Oswald, whose home is near where the new powerlines would be placed, raised questions about the company’s approach at a public meeting Thursday…