Data Center Signal is tracking 7 clips about Idaho Power data center developments across 2 states, including ID, OR.
Meta has officially launched its $1.2 billion data center in Kuna, Idaho, featuring a new "closed-loop" cooling system designed to significantly reduce water consumption. The facility is Meta's 28th in the US and its first in Idaho, built in partnership with Idaho Power and local Kuna officials. The company also funded local infrastructure and education initiatives.
rPlus Energies has commissioned the 125-megawatt Pleasant Valley 2 solar farm in eastern Ada County, Idaho. This new solar plant will help power Meta's $800 million data center in Kuna. The project comes online as Idaho Power forecasts significant growth in energy demand over the next two decades, with Meta's energy needs being met by this and two other solar facilities.
Malheur Mining Co. has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to re-route a section of the $1.5 billion Boardman-to-Hemingway electrical transmission line in Oregon. The company claims the line infringes on its gold mining rights on federal land and is seeking significant damages. This legal challenge could impact Oregon's clean energy goals and future data center developments that rely on the transmission line.
The Oregon Public Utility Commission is expected to approve new electricity rates for Portland General Electric customers, significantly increasing costs for data centers by 29% while reducing residential rates. This action is a key step in implementing Oregon's 2025 POWER Act, a state law designed to ensure data centers pay a more equitable share for grid infrastructure and energy costs. Governor Tina Kotek emphasizes the importance of these changes in creating a fairer system.
Hundreds of Pocatello residents attended a public hearing to discuss Lex Developments' proposal for an AI data center at the former Hoku Materials plant site. The vast majority of speakers opposed granting a conditional use permit, citing concerns over power and water usage, and the vagueness of the application. The Hearing Examiner's decision is pending, with potential for appeals to the City Council and Idaho District Court.
Pocatello, Idaho is holding a public hearing for a conditional-use permit (CUP) application for a proposed AI data center by Lex Developments LLC. The project could significantly increase local electricity consumption and has raised questions about water use and potential environmental impacts like the "data heat island effect." City officials are facilitating the application process and gathering public input before making a decision.
A bill designed to prevent data centers from socializing electricity rates across regular Idahoans is poised to become law, marking a significant legislative achievement amidst ongoing debates about power usage and costs. Data center companies like Valor C3 and Meta are expanding in Boise and Ada County, fueling discussions on the impact of large load users on the state's power grid and consumer bills. This legislation reinforces Idaho's commitment to ensuring that new growth pays its own way.