Mystery Avista Customer Revealed As AI Data Center Requiring 30% Of Utility’s Grid Power
Avista has confirmed that a previously unnamed "large load customer" seeking immense electricity is an AI data center development. The Spokane-based utility disclosed the project, which aims to consume 500 megawatts by 2032, with the data center customer responsible for all associated infrastructure costs. The agreement is in its early stages and requires multiple permits.
Avista, a Spokane-based utility, has confirmed that a previously undisclosed "large load customer" seeking a substantial amount of electricity is an artificial intelligence data center development. The utility, which had initially kept the customer's identity confidential in federal Securities and Exchange Commission filings in late May, has not yet revealed the company's name or the proposed location of the facility.
According to reports by KXLY, the agreement outlines a plan for the data center to consume 500 megawatts of electricity by 2032, starting with 125 megawatts by 2029. Garrett Brown, a spokesperson for Avista, stated that the utility intends to serve large electric consumers in a way that provides a net benefit to all other customers, ensuring that large power requests do not negatively impact their rates. The data center customer is expected to cover all costs for any necessary additional infrastructure to support the project.
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council noted that this level of power consumption is typical for an AI hyperscale data center. The agreement is currently in an early phase, requiring further negotiations for an engineering and procurement contract with financial assurances, as well as obtaining local, state, and federal permits before the project can advance in the Inland Northwest.