Avista agrees to framework to provide single business with power equal to half of all Spokane County customers

Avista Corp. has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with an undisclosed "large load" customer seeking an initial 125 megawatts (MW) of electricity by 2029, with a potential expansion to 500 MW by 2032. This power demand is equivalent to more than half of the combined residential and business electricity usage in Spokane County, Washington. While the company and its business type remain confidential, Avista spokesman Jared Webley acknowledged public interest and concerns regarding large power users like data centers, emphasizing that any contract would ensure the customer pays for all associated infrastructure and new power supply costs to protect existing ratepayers.

Spokane County Commissioner Al French, a Republican, and Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, both expressed that they were unaware of the customer's identity. French previously advocated for a sales tax exemption for data centers in Spokane County, a bill that ultimately failed. Both officials stressed the importance of any new development providing a net benefit to the community, including job creation and tax contributions, without negatively impacting ratepayers or the environment. French stated he would not support data centers that fail to offset electrical demand.

The article references Quincy, Washington, which hosts 27 data centers, including 21 owned by Microsoft, as an example of significant data center proliferation and associated power infrastructure demands. French warned against Spokane County replicating Quincy's approach, which he characterized as having "wholesaled themselves to the detriment of ratepayers and the community." The proposed Avista deal will require approval from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, with Avista committed to ensuring reliability, avoiding cost-shifting, and benefiting its service communities.