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Staff outlines water and power implications of local data centers
Summary
County staff summarized utility data: Hillsboro estimates data centers represent about 1.76% of systemwide water demand; PGE has applied higher large-user rates (example cited ~29.7% increase for projects using 20 MW) under HB 3546 to keep costs from shifting to households.
Staff summarized metrics and utility responses to expanding data-center capacity. On water, Marnie Kyle said Hillsboro estimates data centers in that city account for about 1.76% of systemwide water demand and that Tualatin Valley Water District reports higher commercial-category use but cannot separate data centers specifically from other commercial customers.
On electricity, staff summarized House Bill 3546 (the Power Act), enacted in 2025, which directed the Public Utility Commission to create classifications for very large energy users so costs are not shifted to residential ratepayers. Kyle said Portland General Electric filed a large-user rate that was approved by the commission, and used an example rate increase for 20 MW projects of roughly 29.7%.
Commissioners noted both potential costs and community benefits (franchise fees and other local revenues) and asked staff to include these utility metrics in follow-up FAQs.
