State of Washington opens new review of big power users as data center demand grows

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has initiated a multi-month process to develop new policies and protections concerning the connection of large energy loads, including data centers, to investor-owned electric utilities in the state. The commission will host a hybrid technical workshop on April 27 in Lacey, Washington, and is inviting written comments by April 21 to kickstart this effort. This comprehensive review aims to ensure utility services remain safe, equitable, available, reliable, and fairly priced for existing customers while balancing economic development with ratepayer protections. Officials predict the process will span six to eight months, culminating in a policy statement on large-load connections. The UTC's proactive approach is partly informed by a 2025 Data Center Workgroup established by Gov. Bob Ferguson, which recommended stronger ratepayer protections and improved forecasting for new, large power demands. Although a related bill, HB 2515, did not pass during the 2025-2026 legislative session, the commission highlighted that the legislative debate underscored critical issues Washington still needs to address regarding emerging large energy-use facilities.