- County manager asks public sector workers to reduce consumption amid 25% price hike
- Hundreds of data centers in Virginia are putting significant strain on the network
- The region is also facing a temporary drought due to low rainfall.
Henrico County, Virginia, is asking public sector employees to reduce their electricity usage after a recent spike in electricity costs.
Under the new requirements issued by County Executive John Vithoulkas, employees are asked to turn off lights in unoccupied rooms, turn off computers at the end of each day, close blinds to reduce heat (and therefore air conditioning needs), unplug appliances when not in use, and avoid using portable heaters.
These measures aim to counter the estimated $5 million increase in the country’s annual electricity bill, caused by the almost 25% increase in tariffs.
Virginia County Warns of Skyrocketing Electric Bills
Vithoulkas also warned employees on June 26, 2026 that electricity rates for all government buildings and schools in the county would increase by 24.9% starting July 1.
The county executive also worries about further increases in electricity prices in the coming years as Virginia is now one of the fastest growing data center hubs in the United States.
Henrico County alone is home to 37 data centers, with 17 more already planned. The state itself has more than 400 active data centers within its borders, with Northern Virginia often referred to as “Data Center Alley.”
Land availability, strong fiber optic and submarine cable connectivity and proximity to Washington DC are among the attractions of locating new projects in Virginia, but a high concentration of data centers in the region has put a strain on local networks.
But it’s not just electricity that residents are being asked to ration. On July 1, Vithoulkas also asked residents to conserve water by taking shorter showers, running only full loads of dishes and laundry, and turning off automatic lawn sprinklers due to temporary dry conditions following a period of below-average precipitation. Data center cooling needs likely account for a portion of the county’s water consumption.
Via 404Media
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