Modesto contacted by data center developer. MID aims to protect ratepayers
Modesto and Stanislaus County are receiving inquiries from data center developers, with NorthPoint Development reportedly lobbying the Modesto City Council. Officials are reviewing potential impacts and the Modesto Irrigation District is developing policies for new large-load interconnections. Meanwhile, the nearby city of Patterson has enacted a 45-day moratorium on data center projects.
The city of Modesto and other areas within Stanislaus County, California, are facing increasing interest from data center developers. Modesto Councilman Chris Ricci revealed on social media that NorthPoint Development, a data center developer, is lobbying city council members, prompting significant public engagement with 319 comments on his post expressing concerns about the projects. Mayor Sue Zwahlen confirmed receiving an email from a developer and plans to meet with the company, while city staff are preparing a comprehensive review of potential positive and negative impacts, including those related to water, electricity, and tax revenue. Councilman Dave Wright remains open to hearing both the benefits and disadvantages, emphasizing the importance of job creation and wages.
The Modesto Irrigation District (MID) is also receiving inquiries from data center companies and is actively developing new policies for large-load interconnections to ensure existing ratepayers are not negatively impacted. MID stated its top priority is protecting current customers and will require developers to fund and complete studies on energy demand and grid impact before any accommodations are made.
In a related development, the nearby city of Patterson, also in Stanislaus County, imposed a 45-day moratorium on data center projects on July 16. This action followed an official confirmation that the city had been approached about a data center proposal, though no formal application had been submitted. Public comments regarding the potential Modesto projects echoed concerns about high energy and water consumption, with some residents worrying about effects on local utility bills and agriculture amid water shortages.