Re: “Northwest data center boom could imperil region’s power supply within 5 years” [July 10, A1]:
I am puzzled that the article makes no mention of raising electricity prices. In response to rising demand, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council suggests building more power plants, purchasing power from outside markets and possibly even power outages. Why not instead reduce that demand by raising prices? Sustainability depends on moderating growth.
Of course, it is unpalatable to allow AI companies with deep pockets to drive up electricity prices for residential customers. Perhaps this could be avoided by using differential pricing to charge data centers at a higher rate. There is precedent: Seattle City Light encourages moderation in residential customers by increasing the price when their daily use exceeds 10 kwh.
Electricity for AI is a newfangled luxury that should not be allowed to interfere with existing power use, nor should it be allowed to pollute the atmosphere.
Nathan Hatch, Seattle