Legal pot grows add new demand to NW power grid

Associated Press 1:23 p.m. PDT September 10, 2014

SEATTLE (AP) — As more marijuana producers move their plants indoors over the next two decades, the grow operations in Washington state are expected to need as much electricity each year as what a small Northwest city consumes, according to an energy forecast by regional power planners.

Demands on the Northwest electrical grid would grow further if Oregon voters pass a ballot initiative in November to legalize recreational pot use, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council said.

The council, which develops a long-term power plan for Washington, Oregon, Idaho and parts of Montana, has been studying the impacts of electricity needs for operations that grow legal marijuana indoors in Washington state.

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2014/09/10/legal-pot-grows-add-new-demand-to-nw-power-grid/15403063/