A Virginia county, which contains 37 operating data centers and has plans to build at least 17 more, recently asked teachers and other county employees to start switching off their lights as the area’s electricity rates jump 25%, starting Wednesday.
The increase in electricity costs for Henrico County government and school buildings will add an estimated $5 million in county expenses in the new fiscal year, according to a June 26 email written by County Manager John Vithoulkas. Henrico County anticipates “more rate increases for electricity in the years ahead,” he said.
Vithoulkas instructed employees to “turn off” the lights when leaving the office, shut down their computers or laptops for the day, adjust the blinds to manage sunlight, unplug any appliances or chargers when not in use, and limit the use of space heaters. The county manager noted that one space heater can cost the county up to $300 in annual electricity costs…