Seattle Freezes New Data Centers to Protect Power Grid and Ratepayers

Seattle City Council has imposed a one-year ban on large data centers (those using 10 megawatts or more) after four companies proposed five facilities requiring 369 megawatts—roughly one-third of the city's daily power supply. Mayor Wilson backs the move. The city is also requiring future data centers to source power outside the municipal grid, shielding residents from subsidizing corporate energy costs.