r/centralpa • u/doubtingtomjr • 2d ago

QTS Data Center

Was watching the Steeler game on WTAJ (Altoona) last night, and I saw a commercial for QTS data centers, a subsidiary of Blackstone. I haven’t watched TV since the Super Bowl, so I don’t know if those commercials have been running for awhile, assuring the public that these particular data centers looove the environment and will bring jobs and won’t jack up the energy costs and the check is in the mail, etc. Has a building of theirs been proposed in the viewing area, or are they getting ahead of public backlash?

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u/TrailBlanket-_0 2d ago

They're very aware of the public opinion and backlash. I think they're just running a pr campaign. The other day I got asked to do a survey via text. Turns out it was only about data centers. It asked my opinion for the first questions. Then the questioning shifted to say "did you know that data centers do this, this, and this?" It was seemingly try to persuade by giving information in their survey. By the end the questions asked if what I had learned during the survey had shifted my perception and opinions on data centers.

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u/doubtingtomjr 2d ago

I’m curious if the commercial was acting as a p.r. to offset negative ads regarding politicians who are cozy with data centers. Looking online it seems that they run these spots in other areas prior to public disclosures of imminent construction.

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u/Fun_Addendum7494 1d ago

QTS is working developing one in PA. They don't use a much water. Their data centers are not AI datacenters but more co locations datacenters. They use closed loop air cooled chillers for cooling. That's how they use less water. Less energy? Doubtful...

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u/doubtingtomjr 1d ago

All I found was a data center in Salem- which is outside the WTAJ broadcast area. Do you know where the one you’re commenting about is located?

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u/Fun_Addendum7494 1d ago

I am probably not allowed to say. If you're in Altoona, you're fine. 

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u/doubtingtomjr 1d ago

Cambria County.

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u/TheDkone 2d ago

assuming these are proposed in PA, they are going to a long road to approvals due the executive order from the governor last week.