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By: Courtney Hron
Director of Business Development & Communications

In the Pacific Northwest, tech companies and ecommerce hubs are expanding rapidly, adding data centers and warehouses across Oregon and Washington. In less than 20 years, the region has established hundreds of data centers ranging from approximately 4,000 to 4 million square feet. These growing facilities drive job creation, boost tax revenue and fuel local development.

Data centers and warehouses also rely on enormous amounts of electricity, so applying advanced energy management is crucial to control costs and improve operations. With energy costs climbing and sustainability concerns growing, implementing energy-efficient strategies is the new industry standard to ensure long-term viability.

Electrical professionals are leading the shift toward energy-saving efforts to ensure businesses thrive. By incorporating cutting-edge solutions that optimize consumption and innovative energy practices, the electrical sector is helping to cut costs and reduce environmental impact. Energy-efficient warehouses and data centers reduce operational costs, increase productivity and enhance logistics, driving business expansion.

Data Centers: Adapting to Rising Electricity Demand

As digital infrastructure expands, data centers use increasing amounts of electricity to support cloud computing, automation and online services. Operating around the clock, these facilities require more energy per square foot than a typical commercial building. In the U.S., reports find that data centers consume about 4.4% of total U.S. electricity in 2023 and are projected to account for , with power demand expected to grow compared to 2023 levels.

Combined, Washington and Oregon have over 200 data centers, making the Pacific Northwest a key player in the data center sector. The region’s access to hydroelectric power and other renewable energy sources allows operators to meet rising demands by investing in energy-efficient cooling systems, power management technologies, and sustainable energy.

Through energy innovations that support expansion in the Pacific Northwest, construction and electrical industry partnerships are evolving to shape a more efficient future.

How Electrical Professionals Boost Data Center Efficiency

Electrical professionals play a critical role in optimizing power systems, integrating renewable energy, improving electrical infrastructure and reducing energy waste.

• Optimizing Cooling Systems: Implementing air and water-side economizers can cut cooling energy use .
• Deploying High-Efficiency Power Supplies: Upgrading to energy-efficient equipment lowers utility costs.
• Implementing Hot & Cold Aisle Containment: Organizing server racks to separate airflow reduces cooling demands.
• Decommissioning Idle Servers: Shutting down non-working servers cuts unnecessary power usage and could save thousands in general costs per removed server.
• Integrating Renewable Energy: Integrating solar, wind and hydrogen power reduces reliance on traditional grids.
• Performing Routine Energy Audits: Identifying inefficiencies ensures continuous optimization.

As data centers expand, electrical professionals remain essential in ensuring sustainable and efficient operations.

Warehouses: Enhancing Efficiency Amid Rapid Expansion

The warehouse industry in the United States has experienced significant growth in recent years, reaching over 30,000 facilities nationwide, and it shows no signs of stopping. The same expansion is also mirrored in the Pacific Northwest, reflecting the demand for storage and distribution facilities.

On average, of warehouse energy consumption, while . To enhance efficiency, developers are collaborating with electrical professionals to implement advanced energy solutions, including smart HVAC systems, LED lighting and automation. These innovations help warehouses streamline operations, manage costs effectively, and support sustainable energy use while meeting increasing logistical demands.

Ways the Electrical Sector Implements Energy-Efficiency Strategies

Expanding Renewable Energy Integration
Only currently utilize renewable energy. Electrical professionals streamline solar, wind and hybrid system installations, making energy efficiency a practical reality.

Deploying Smart Automation
Automated systems regulate HVAC, lighting and equipment with real-time monitoring. These innovations ensure immediate energy optimization and predictive maintenance, preventing costly breakdowns while enhancing security and efficiency.

Upgrading Lighting Systems
Developers are turning to LED and smart lighting. Electrical experts design systems that deliver maximum illumination while cutting energy consumption, ensuring compliance with evolving state regulations.

Empowering Warehouse Teams
Energy efficiency requires more than technology—it demands informed teams. Electrical professionals provide training on sustainable practices and efficient equipment use, ensuring long-term cost savings and environmental responsibility.

Energy Efficiency: Shaping the Future of Industrial Development

With rising costs and regulatory shifts, proactive energy strategies drive success. Electrical professionals are key players in building a future where industrial growth and sustainability go hand in hand. By embracing innovation, deploying smart technologies and renewable systems, the electrical sector is reshaping the future of industrial operations today and into the future.

For more than a century, has been instrumental in shaping the electrical industry across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Through a strong partnership, NECA’s Oregon-Columbia Chapter and IBEW Local 48 have contributed to the development and electrification of communities, and they remain at the forefront of advancing sustainable energy solutions. Today, they continue to drive innovation, ensuring a resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure for the future.