San Jose is preparing to double its current power usage with two gigawatts of new capacity arriving over the next five years. This expansion targets areas ripe for development, including greenfield sites and empty warehouses ready for transformation. PG&E is committing $2.4 billion to upgrade infrastructure, ensuring reliable energy delivery that supports rapid growth in the tech sector.
Data centers emerge as a key focus, with city leaders highlighting their potential to benefit everyone. These facilities could generate utility tax revenue to fund essential services like police, fire departments, and libraries. At the same time, the added load from data centers might reduce residential utility rates by spreading infrastructure costs across a broader base, preventing hikes for existing customers.
To streamline progress, San Jose has formed a dedicated data center development team. This group guides developers through city processes, accelerating projects across the city's 180 square miles of available land. The initiative invites investment, positioning San Jose as a competitive alternative in Silicon Valley despite past challenges like high costs and power limits.
As neighboring areas like Santa Clara also enhance their capacities, the region as a whole strengthens. For residents and businesses, these developments promise jobs, economic vitality, and a forward-looking city embracing the demands of advanced technology.
Source: SVBJ
