LIGH READING
Growth and Technology:
Striking a balance between data center demand and reliability
Data centers might seem like a phenomenon of big cities, but they are increasingly appearing in other areas throughout the country. Rural regions provide data centers with what they value most: affordable land, ample room for expansion, and access to transmission lines capable of handling substantial power needs. Unlike other large businesses, data centers have a significant demand for electricity, operating 24/7 to keep servers online at all times, requiring a consistent and reliable power supply.
For electric cooperatives like Inland Power, powering data centers can present both opportunities and challenges.
ADVANTAGES:
Data centers can generate steady, longterm load growth, which supports investments in the local grid.
With effective planning and policy
backing, upgrades—such as new substations, enhanced lines, and advanced technologies—can benefit all Inland Power members while helping maintain stable electricity rates.
CHALLENGES:
Although data centers can be built and become operational within a year, ensuring the necessary transmission and infrastructure are in place require longer lead times and substantial financial investment.
Strategic planning for long-term power supply strategies are crucial for success and energy capacity is in short supply.
Electric cooperatives across the nation are receiving inquiries from tech companies and we expect this trend to continue. As a member-owned cooperative, we have a dual responsibility to listen to the communities we serve and to provide reliable, affordable
electric service to all our members.
Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, particularly as new large-scale energy users like data centers become part of our local environment.
Regardless of what the future holds, our main focus will be on supporting growth with fairness. This means ensuring that largescale energy users contribute their fair share so that residential bills are not negatively impacted and our local communities remain invested. The energy landscape is everchanging and brings both opportunities and challenges. The Inland Power board, leadership, and employees will continue to listen and communicate with our members and community partners to ensure all decisions serve the best interests of the people we support.
Our mission is our members!
See if we can help you save!
Schedule your FREE home energy audit today!
At Inland Power, we are excited to offer our valued members a no-cost home energy audit service. This comprehensive service is designed to provide you with an insightful evaluation of your home's energy consumption patterns. Our home energy audit aims to provide you with a complete understanding of how energy is used throughout your home, allowing you to make informed decisions about efficiency improvements. During the audit, our team will assess various aspects of your home to help you pinpoint the following:
The amount of energy being used across your household.
Specific areas where energy might be unnecessarily wasted.
Critical problem zones along with expert recommendations on solutions to enhance your home’s overall efficiency and comfort.
We believe that this service is an invaluable tool in helping you manage your home energy usage effectively, reduce waste, and potentially lower your energy bills. Don't hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity. Reach out to our dedicated Inland Power Conservation Team today to schedule your FREE home energy audit. You can contact us at 509-747-7151 or conservation@inlandpower.com. We look forward to assisting you in making your home as efficient and comfortable as possible!
Inland infrastructure
As we progress through the first quarter of 2026, we are actively engaged in ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing our services to accommodate the increasing demands of our expanding communities. The following are some noteworthy projects currently in motion:
Current Transformer (CT) Meter Inspection and AMI Conversion Project
Our inspection team and meter shop have made significant strides in conducting a thorough audit and inspection of our CT metering locations as part of our AMI conversion initiative. We are focused on transitioning all CT locations to self-contained 2S meter bases, which are owned by Inland Power. Additionally, we are upgrading other meter bases along with both single-phase and three-phase CT services to the latest technology. This preparation is essential for the upcoming transition to our new AMI system, set to occur later this year.
Installation of New Viper Reclosers
Our teams are dedicated to continuing the installation of the new G&W Viper reclosers before the 2026 fire season. These reclosers are designed to improve system insulation and reliability, particularly in three-phase
areas, allowing for accurate fault isolation during Red Flag weather conditions. This upgraded system will minimize the need for line crew deployment, safeguarding essential resources and enhancing outage response efficiency.
Substation Projects
The Inland Power substation team is making notable progress across various areas, with several key projects transitioning from design to construction and engineering. Current enhancement initiatives at the Springhill substation in Stevens County and the Clayton substation in North Spokane County are focused on improving reliability and enabling remote monitoring.
The Wayside substation, located in our northern service territory is prepared for civil construction, and bids for grading and foundations are currently in progress.
Craig Road and Jerita substations projects are advancing through the design and procurement phases, with major equipment orders placed and construction slated to begin this year.
As we move forward throughout the year on these and other on going projects, we will continue to provide updates so you can stay informed and up-to-date on our infrastructure advancements.
