Intel Faces Chip Demand Struggles, AEP HQ Battle, and Dublin Rejects Data Center Plans

Ongoing challenges for Intel, Ohio's efforts to keep AEP headquartered, and Dublin's opposition to an 'innovation district' with data centers

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:23pm

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Intel is reporting continued difficulties in meeting demand for its server chips used in AI data centers, leading to lower-than-expected quarterly revenue and profit forecasts. Meanwhile, Ohio's governor is working to keep utility giant American Electric Power (AEP) from leaving its downtown Columbus headquarters, and the city of Dublin has again rejected plans for an 'innovation district' that would have included data centers, amid pushback from some local residents.

Why it matters

Intel's struggles highlight the complexities of the global chip market and the company's challenges in keeping up with demand, which could impact the timeline for its $28 billion microchip manufacturing project in New Albany. The battle over AEP's headquarters reflects the high stakes for Ohio in retaining major employers, while Dublin's opposition to data centers shows the tensions between economic development and community concerns over issues like infrastructure and environmental impact.

The details

Intel officials report continuing struggles to satisfy demand for its server chips used in AI data centers, leading the company to forecast quarterly revenue and profit below market estimates. This underscores Intel's difficulties in predicting global chip markets, where its current products are the result of decisions made years ago. Meanwhile, Ohio's Republican Governor Mike DeWine says his administration has been in 'a lot of conversations' with AEP's CEO, William Fehrman, in an effort to keep the utility giant from leaving its downtown Columbus headquarters. In Dublin, the city has again opposed plans for an 'innovation district' in the western part of the city, eliminating data centers from the proposed land uses after vocal pushback from some residents of the affluent Ballantrae subdivision.

  • Intel recently launched a long-awaited laptop chip designed to reclaim its lead in personal computers just as a memory chip crunch is expected to depress sales across that industry.
  • Intel's $28 billion project to construct microchip manufacturing facilities in the Licking County portion of New Albany, originally slated to open in 2025, has been stalled until 2030 or 2031 due to the company's troubles.
  • On January 22, Intel reported its latest quarterly revenue and profit forecasts, which fell short of market estimates.

The players

Intel

A multinational technology company that designs and manufactures microprocessors, computer components, and related products.

Mike DeWine

The Republican governor of Ohio who is working to keep American Electric Power (AEP) headquartered in the state.

William Fehrman

The CEO of American Electric Power (AEP), a major utility company based in Columbus, Ohio.

Dublin

A city in central Ohio that has rejected plans for an 'innovation district' that would have included data centers, amid pushback from some local residents.

Ballantrae subdivision

An affluent residential area in Dublin, Ohio that borders part of the proposed 'innovation district' and has voiced opposition to the plans.

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What they’re saying

“This is a company that's very important to Ohio and we're going to continue to make every effort for them to stay here.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (The Dispatch)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Intel's ongoing struggles to meet chip demand, Ohio's efforts to retain a major employer in AEP, and Dublin's rejection of data centers in a proposed innovation district all underscore the complex economic and community dynamics at play in the region, with technology companies, government, and local residents navigating competing priorities and concerns.