New Seattle data centers could spike electric rates

(The Center Square) – Four companies are considering building major data centers in Seattle, sparking concerns about rate increases for all customers of electric utility company Seattle City Light.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson in a statement said she fears that utility rates at the city-owned utility could be impacted by increased costs of providing electricity to the data centers.

“That’s why my team is working closely with Seattle City Light, City Council and stakeholders to identify a range of long-term policy approaches, including exploring a moratorium on siting new centers,” she said in a post on her blog.

Wilson didn’t respond to requests for additional comment.

Data center expansion has become a nationwide issue causing concerns over rate hikes and the potential for power outages as the centers put increasing pressure on often overloaded electric power grids.

Seattle City Light spokeswoman Jenn Strang said that...