SPOKANE, WA — Avista has paused negotiations and review of a proposed 500-megawatt data center power request while it works with government agencies, regulators and community stakeholders on a broader planning process.
The decision follows public concern over a previously announced memorandum of understanding between the utility and the data center developer. Avista President and CEO Heather Rosentrater said the company needs more time to ensure future decisions are made in a transparent and coordinated manner.
Avista emphasized that no final decision has been made on the project and that multiple permits, regulatory reviews and approvals would be required before it could move forward…