Avista explores deal to bring data center to Eastern Washington, North Idaho

KREM 2 News reported that Avista is in the early stages of exploring a deal to bring a large data center to Eastern Washington, potentially within its service territory which includes Spokane County. The proposed facility would require an initial demand of 125 megawatts by 2029, escalating to 500 megawatts by 2032, representing nearly 30% of Avista's current total capacity. Avista stated the data center would cover the costs of necessary power upgrades and that such large load growth could reduce cost pressure for existing customers by spreading fixed costs across more users.

However, the announcement has sparked significant public concern, with a Gallup poll indicating widespread opposition to data centers. Residents expressed negative reactions, highlighting fears about excessive water and power consumption. The Spokane Riverkeepers, an environmental advocacy group, published a detailed article citing that a large data center could use nearly three times as much water as Spokane's five largest reported water users combined. They raised concerns about long-term water availability amidst drought conditions and potential impacts on water temperatures, native fish habitats, and the discharge of "forever chemicals" like PFAS and heavy metals into the Spokane River.

The project is currently in its early stages and requires official approval from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. The news outlet encouraged viewers to contact the commission to voice their opinions, emphasizing that the deal is not yet finalized.