PGE can charge data centers more for the power they use

The Oregon Public Utility Commission has authorized Portland General Electric (PGE) to implement a new electricity pricing structure specifically for data centers. This decision, announced yesterday, approves key elements of PGE's proposal designed to charge customers based on their contribution to energy demand growth. Under the approved framework, PGE is now permitted to create a distinct customer class for what it refers to as "large load data centers." Additionally, the utility can utilize a system that allocates energy costs to customer groups that are identified as the largest power consumers. This regulatory change will allow PGE to adjust how it charges the energy-intensive data center sector, potentially leading to higher electricity costs for these facilities in Oregon.