News of a tristate energy compact with Utah, Idaho and Wyoming, was announced by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox in his monthly news conference last Thursday. The energy concerns have to do with many factors, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
AI takes about 13 times as much energy per query than a Google search, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Demand for AI is rising, and AI data centers are being built to accommodate this, such as the NOVVA Data Center in West Jordan.
The new tristate compact seeks to meet the growing electricity demand within Utah by investing in reliable and affordable energy grids, increasing electricity output and dispute regulations against electricity consumption and production. This compact will help Utah invest in new transmission lines, carbon capture technology and infrastructure.
The compact in part relates to the push for Rocky Mountain Power to be separated from PacifiCorp, which offers electricity for six states including Utah.
“We need more energy to drive down costs for families, fuel our industry, and keep our country a global economic powerhouse,” Cox said.
Energy production in Utah has been brought up in recent legislative talks, with nuclear power being on the forefront of ideas for increasing output in Utah.
To stay up to date with how this compact will affect Utah, check out SUU News.
Author: Tallon Taylor
Photo courtesy of Watt A. Lot/Unsplash
Editor: Anna Mower
news@suunews.net
