Seattle weighs 5 data center proposals amid power concerns

Zoom in: The proposals come from four companies, which Seattle City Light declined to identify.

• At full capacity, the five centers could consume up to 10 times more power than the city's existing 30 data centers, the Times reports.
• The pitches come as more tech companies are looking to invest in data centers to fuel advancements in artificial intelligence.

Between the lines: Seattle City Light officials warn that the surge in demand could strain staffing and infrastructure needed to serve existing customers, per the Times.

• The utility is already under pressure as more buildings switch to electric heating, electric vehicles expand and the city's population grows.

What's next: City Light says it is rewriting contracts for large power users, which could require the companies behind the proposals to secure their own energy and pay for grid upgrades.

• The companies are expected to decide within the next few months whether to formally apply for service.