New Jersey fines DataOne $1.07M over unpermitted data center generators
The penalty and 45‑day deadline highlight regulatory and cost pressure around temporary power at large compute sites.
New Jersey fined DataOne $1.07 million for operating unpermitted gas generators at its Vineland data-center construction site, putting the cost of temporary power and permit compliance into focus for compute developers. Inspectors counted 62 generators, and thermal drone footage obtained in an investigation by The Guardian and Floodlight News showed 45 running. The units were operating at 1,982 kW, while generators rated at 37 kW or more required permits. DataOne has 45 days to obtain permits or stop using the generators. The company says it will apply for permits and is moving from portable turbines to fuel cells.
Why it matters
The fine shows how reliance on temporary power at large build‑outs can trigger significant penalties if permitting rules are missed. Inspectors found 62 generators on site, with drone footage showing most of them running at a combined output of 1,982 kW, above the threshold that requires permits. Regulators have now given DataOne a short window to either secure air permits or shut the units down, pushing the company toward permitted alternatives such as fuel cells for its construction power needs.
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Sources
- Ars Technica
- Tom's Hardware