Microsoft looking to cut data center power bills

Subscribe to Electricity Today magazine for digital issues, expert content, training courses, and live forums delivered straight to your inbox!

Microsoft had a $3.4 million electrical bill last year to operate it's data center in Quincy, and they are looking for ways to reduce it.

The Seattle Times reports it used enough electricity to power 24,000 homes.

The software company is looking to reduce its power bill by finding other ways to cool the acres of computer servers that handle e-mail and digital transactions over the Internet.

The data center was the third-largest customer last year of the Grant County PUD. Microsoft and other tech companies have located in Grant County to take advantage of the utility's relatively low rates for electricity from two Columbia River dams.

With data centers all over the world, Microsoft has been experimenting with cooling methods to reduce power demand.

Related News

californias-solar-power-cost-shift

California’s Solar Power Cost Shift: A Misguided Policy Threatening Energy Equity

CALIFORNIA - California is grappling with soaring electricity rates, with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) rates more than double the national average and increasing at an average of 12.5% annually over the past six years. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order directing state energy agencies to identify ways to reduce power costs. However, recent policy shifts targeting rooftop solar users may exacerbate the problem rather than alleviate it.

The "Cost Shift" Theory

A central justification for these policy changes is the "cost shift" theory. This theory posits that homeowners with rooftop solar panels reduce their electricity consumption…

READ MORE
energy storage

Utilities see benefits in energy storage, even without mandates

READ MORE

texas power lines

Air Conditioning Related Power Usage Set To Create Power Shortages In Many States

READ MORE

rio-tinto-mine

Rio Tinto seeking solutions that transform heat from underground mines into electricity

READ MORE

San Diego community energy program

California Public Utilities Commission sides with community energy program over SDG&E

READ MORE