Federal energy council recommends big push to generate more power in the Northwest
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council recommends adding 11 gigawatts of new electricity generation in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington by 2032 due to rapidly increasing demand. Data center growth is identified as a primary driver, making it challenging to forecast future electricity needs. The plan suggests significant investments in renewables and natural gas, alongside battery storage, and also recommends creating standards for data center efficiency.
A federal planning group, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NWPCC), has released draft recommendations for a substantial increase in electricity generation across Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington by 2032. The plan calls for an unprecedented 11 gigawatts of new power, which is more than the entire state of Oregon currently consumes, to meet surging regional demand.
Jennifer Light, NWPCC Director of Power Planning, highlighted that the rapid growth of power-hungry data centers is a major factor driving this demand, with projections indicating an additional 4 GW will be needed by 2030. The council's draft Ninth Northwest Power Plan forecasts the region will require 9 GW of renewables (solar and wind), at least 2 GW of natural gas, and 5 GW of battery storage to ensure a stable and diverse power system in the coming years.
Achieving this capacity presents an enormous challenge, as Oregon and Washington have historically lagged in bringing new renewables online, and federal support for such projects has diminished. Beyond new generation, the NWPCC also recommends implementing standards to ensure new data centers are built as efficiently as possible, while also addressing risks from extreme weather and inadequate transmission capacity.
The draft plan is currently open for public comment until October 16, with the council anticipating a final update later this year or in early 2027.