By Dean Seal

Avista said it has paused the processing of an energy service request from a big data center developer after hearing concerns from local community members and leaders.

The Spokane, Wash.-based energy company said Friday that it has fielded concerns from the community and customers related to a memorandum of understanding it recently reached with the developer of a 500-megawatt data center project.

The memorandum doesn't identify the developer, but states that the customer seeks an initial load demand of 125 megawatts starting in 2029 and would want to expand to 500 megawatts by 2032.

Avista is now putting those negotiations on pause, along with the processing of any energy requests from new large data center developers, while it works to partner with governmental agencies on a clear and coordinated processing plan for those requests.

"We recognize that we need more time to align with our partners and communities in a way that is transparent, thoughtful and in the best long-term interest of our region," Chief Executive Heather Rosentrater said.

The company said that if it does do energy processing for large data centers going forward, it would ensure that existing customers don't pay for the costs of the project and would see net benefits from the project.

Write to Dean Seal at dean.seal@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 12, 2026 16:57 ET (20:57 GMT)

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