AI Data Center Boom Strains Washington's Energy Grid

Washington grappling with data center boom: 126 facilities, 7M sq ft, 11 cities/counties paused construction over grid strain and rate hikes. Regulatory gaps in land-use definitions highlighted. New draft power plan calls for $2.3B grid upgrades with natural gas alongside renewables; Northwest needs 11 GW new power by 2032. National trend: 90% of new data center bills address harms. AG Brown challenging Avista $115M rate hike.