SPOKANE, Wash. — Avista announced Friday it is pausing negotiations with a 500-megawatt data center developer while seeking broader coordination with government agencies and considering community feedback.
The decision follows community concerns related to Avista’s previously announced Memorandum of Understanding with the data center developer.
“We’ve heard the questions and concerns from our customers, community members and local leaders, and we take that feedback seriously,” said Heather Rosentrater, Avista President and CEO. “This input has demonstrated a need for a broader coordinated planning effort, which Avista will actively participate in.”
As a regulated utility, Avista must review service requests, including large proposals. The developer must also secure all necessary permits. Multiple reviews and approvals are needed before any project can move forward.
Avista outlined four guiding principles for evaluating large data center developments:
Customer protection: Existing customers will not pay costs of serving new large customers.
System reliability: Required engineering studies and system upgrades must be completed before service begins.
Regulatory approval: Any final service agreement must be reviewed and approved by state regulators.
Responsible growth: Large projects must deliver net benefits for customers.
The company said it will continue providing information as it becomes available.
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