Northwest utilities turn to natural gas to meet surging data center energy demand
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By: Alex Baumhardt - June 4, 2026 3:40 pm
Summary
Electric utilities in Washington and Oregon are increasingly relying on natural gas to meet surging energy demand from data centers, according to reports from Columbia Riverkeeper and Sightline Institute. Northwest utility companies are investing in new gas-powered energy infrastructure or purchasing gas-generated electricity from other states to power data center growth. In some counties, public utility districts are permitting gas-powered generators to address the demand.
Source
bskyNorthwest utilities turn to natural gas to meet surging data center energy demandwashingtonstatestandard.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledElectric utilities in Washington and Oregon are turning to gas to meet rapid and growing energy demand from data centers, according to recent reports.
A growing number of Northwest utility companies are spending on new gas-powered energy infrastructure or buying gas-powered energy from other states to power new demand from data centers.
In some counties, public utility districts are permitting gas-powered generators to meet data center demand.
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