Douglas PUD Commissioners Adopt Data Center, Cryptocurrency Rate Increases

Douglas County PUD Commissioners adopted a new rate schedule Monday afternoon that will see a dramatic rise in rates for data centers and cryptocurrency operations.

Public Information Officer Meaghan Vibbert said high-capacity loads will experience an increase in rates every six months until 2025.

"They start off with a 5% increase starting July 1st for data centers, and a 10% increase for blockchain and low tier data centers," Vibbert said.

There will also be a 3% yearly increase in rates in 2021 residential and commercial customers that use more than 25,000 kilowatt hours in a year. Vibbert added that the average residential customer does not come near that 25,000 kilowatt threshold. Schedule 2 irrigation customers will also see that same 3% yearly rise starting in 2021.

Douglas PUD currently has the lowest commercial power rates in the state, almost five cents per kilowatt hour better than the state average. It's estimated by 2025, Douglas PUD will still have the lowest commercial power rates in the state.

In terms of industrial rates, the Douglas PUD is currently over two cents per kilowatt hour better than the state average.

Commissioners hear just over an hour of public comment during Monday's meeting.

Those supporting data miners and data centers say the rates will make their business models unsustainable. Many residents say keeping residential rates low should be their commissioners' focus.