UTC to host technical conference on large energy loads on April 27

Media contact: [email protected] or 360-664-1116
Docket number: UE-260162

Interested parties invited to reply to commission's initial questions by April 21

LACEY, Wash. - On April 7, 2026, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (commission) opened a new docket to proactively explore how to address the emerging effects of investor-owned electric utilities connecting large energy loads, including data centers.

The commission will host a hybrid technical workshop at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 27, to launch work related to the commission's mandate to ensure investor-owned utility services remain safe, equitable, available, reliable, and fairly priced. This workshop will help the commission make informed policy decisions in the future. The commission is seeking comments on the initial questions listed in the notice by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21. This is just the start of a process that will include more opportunities for public input in the future.

Electricity demand is quickly growing across the U.S. This growth is fueled in part by large energy users, which include data centers, manufacturing, and combined loads from electric heating, cooling, and vehicle charging. While electric utilities regulated by the commission have not seen the large load growth experienced by other areas of the state and country, taking proactive steps will help the commission balance economic development opportunities with the protection of utility customers.

Public comments and participation are welcome

The technical conference is the first step in a process that will likely take six to eight months. The commission invites the public to comment at any point during the process. Future meetings and workshops will be announced on our website at https://www.utc.wa.gov.

At the end of this process, the commission plans to release a policy statement about large load interconnection with electric investor-owned utilities, including guidance to protect ratepayers and manage risks.

Background

In 2025, Gov. Bob Ferguson created the Data Center Workgroup (DCWG). UTC Chair Brian Rybarik participated in this workgroup. The DCWG's preliminary report specifically recommends that the commission strengthen ratepayer protections and improve resource forecasting related to new large loads.

The legislature discussed the regulation of "emerging large energy-use facilities" during the 2025-2026 legislative session, most specifically in HB 2515. While that legislation did not pass, it highlighted critical issues for the state to consider related to the potential development of large energy-use facilities.

About the UTC

The UTC regulates the rates and services of investor-owned electric utilities, telecommunications companies, natural gas and water companies, solid waste collection companies, household-goods movers and passenger transportation companies, commercial ferries, pipeline companies, marine pilotage, and a low-level radioactive waste repository. The commission does not regulate the rates of broadband services, cellular, cable, or Internet service.

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