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Commenters warn data centers could drive fossil buildout and higher rates in Northwestern Energy IRP
Summary
Multiple speakers at the PSC hearing said Northwestern’s IRP anticipates meeting data-center demand with fossil generation, raising concerns that data centers will raise residential rates and increase emissions; several asked the commission for transparency about data-center agreements.
Several commenters warned that projected data-center load could be met with additional fossil generation, increasing ratepayer costs and environmental harms. Don Harris cited company plans and a possible Northwestern-Black Hills merger as factors behind a push for more fossil capacity and criticized executive pay; he said the IRP indicates data-center energy needs are assumed to come from fossil generation.
Commenters asked the commission to require Northwestern to disclose data-center agreements and to evaluate alternatives (local renewables and transmission upgrades) that could meet demand without driving large fossil investments. "No more secret data center agreements and redacted documents which discuss matters of great public importance," said Hank Hudson of Helena Interfaith Climate Advocates.
