GlobeNewswire·Jun 12, 2026, 4:05 PM ET

Avista pauses processing of energy service request from 500 MW data center developer while seeking broader policy and community alignment

Avista has paused negotiations for energy service to a new 500MW data center developer to allow time for evaluating requests & coordinating planning with governmental agencies.
The pause follows recent community concerns regarding a previously announced Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the developer.
Avista President & CEO Heather Rosentrater stated that feedback from customers & local leaders necessitates a broader, transparent coordinated planning effort.
As a regulated utility, Avista must review service requests while the developer secures separate permits; no single entity decides project approval.
Avista outlined four guiding principles: existing customers will not pay for new large customer costs, system reliability is non-negotiable, regulatory approval is required, & growth must deliver net benefits.
The company emphasized that the unprecedented scale of current data center requests requires new planning considerations for all involved entities.
Avista serves 429,000 electric customers & 386,000 natural gas customers across 34,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, & parts of Oregon & Alaska.
Additional information regarding the project evaluation will be provided as it becomes available.