Microsoft looking to cut data center power bills
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

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…