(The Center Square) – With energy-intensive artificial intelligence, or AI, consuming more electricity than traditional data-center activities, reliability of the electrical grid should be the top priority, according to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.
The Portland, Ore.-based council is a regional organization that develops and maintains a regional power plan and a fish and wildlife program to balance the Northwest’s environment and energy needs. It was created in 1980 when Congress passed the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act.
The council’s Power Division staff are gearing up to officially begin working on the Ninth Power Plan in February 2025, according to a post on the NW Power Council website. The plan provides recommendations to the Bonneville Power Administration and the region at large on the acquisition of new energy resources…