Inside OKC metro's largest data center as Oklahoma cities weigh moratoriums
Oklahoma cities, including Oklahoma City and Edmond, are weighing moratoriums on data center development amidst concerns over electricity and water usage. TierPoint's large data center in Oklahoma City is highlighted, operating at less than one megawatt per month, while discussions focus on much larger facilities and their impact.
KOCO 5 News provided a look inside TierPoint's data center in Oklahoma City, described as the OKC metro's largest. The facility houses various data cabinets for different customers, offering data connectivity and supporting AI applications. Staff explained their use of a chiller plant for cooling, which recycles most of its water, and noted no significant noise complaints.
The TierPoint data center has an electricity usage of just under one megawatt per month. However, much of the discussion in Oklahoma is centered around much larger facilities, with Oklahoma City's existing moratorium targeting data centers over 75 megawatts. For comparison, the Associated Press reports that large data centers, like Google's, can use up to 100 megawatts per month, rivaling the power demands of small cities.
Several Oklahoma cities are actively addressing data center development. Oklahoma City and Edmond are both conducting further research over the next few months before deciding whether to lift their current moratoriums. The Village is also researching before deciding on a potential moratorium. Additionally, leaders in Norman and Luther City are discussing data centers, with Norman specifically looking into enacting a moratorium. The sentiment from city officials is to proceed carefully to ensure proper development while considering potential jobs.