Henrico County, Virginia, which is home to 37 data centers and another 17 under construction, is currently experiencing a heat wave, like the rest of the Eastern Seaboard. Days before the heatwave hit the area, Henrico Public Schools asked for lower electricity consumption as part of cost-cutting efforts, according to 404 Media.

County with 37 data centers asks schools to turn off lights to save electricity before severe heat wave

Measures to reduce consumption

In an email sent by John Faithulkas, the manager of Henrico County, to thousands of county employees and obtained by 404, it was stated that the cost of electricity used in all facilities of the government of Henrico County and its schools will increase significantly from July 1st, by 25%, which will increase costs by about five million dollars during the next fiscal year. It also indicated expectations for additional increases in electricity prices in the coming years, according to Futurism.

Although Phoolkas did not propose lowering the temperature of air conditioners, he could have done so, especially since the region is experiencing the peak of the heat wave season. A sudden increase in demand for indoor cooling usually represents the greatest pressure on the electricity grid, along with the pressure exerted by large data centers.

Instructions to employees

Phoolkas emphasized in his message that reducing the impact of rising electricity costs requires everyone to make simple adjustments to keep electricity consumption within workplaces. He asked employees to turn off lights when leaving their workplaces, including at the end of the work day, and to shut down computers and laptops at the end of each workday. He also suggested adjusting curtains in workplaces with windows to help reduce the heat from sunlight. He proposed not using electric heaters, explaining that the cost of running one heater for the district is $300 per year. Although this advice would only be practical after several months.

Continued debate over data centers

This request summarizes the reason why the ongoing debate about data centers continues among local residents. Many communities across the country are experiencing protests against existing and proposed new data centers.

These large facilities consume huge amounts of energy, require large quantities of water for cooling purposes, emit high levels of noise, and also distort the landscape. In addition to the need to level hundreds of acres of land.

Studies have shown that electricity bills for residents living near data centers are steadily rising. The website 404 noted the case of a woman who used solar panels and a heat pump in an effort to reduce energy costs, but her electricity bill doubled nonetheless.