Henrico County is a major hub for data centers in Virginia. Its officials said it expects a 25% rise in electricity costs next year, and advised workers to close the blinds and turn off their computers to make up for it.

On June 26, the County Manager of Henrico County, Virginia, John Vithoulkas, sent an email to thousands of county employees asking them to help the local government conserve electricity. “Beginning July 1st, the rate we pay for electricity used in all Henrico County government and school facilities will increase dramatically — by 25%, increasing costs by an estimated $5 million next fiscal year. We anticipate more rate increases for electricity in the years ahead,” a copy of the email obtained by 404 Media said (emphasis his).

  • boonhet@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    26·
    2 days ago

    The local government doesn’t pay for the data centers electricity though, at least not directly. This is their rate going up so they ask their public facilities to save energy. It’s a reasonable response from them, but they should have prevented it by not allowing so many data centers.