A new energy forecast from the Northwest Power and Conservation Council predicts a surge in electricity demand in the Northwest by 2046, potentially doubling current levels. The growth is anticipated to come from factors like the proliferation of data centers, the increase in electric vehicles, buildings being electrified, computer chip manufacturing, and the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis of water. Data centers and electric vehicles are expected to be significant contributors to the rise in demand, with data centers leading in the short term and electric vehicles possibly surpassing them after 2046. The council's 20-year forecast for Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and western Montana highlights the importance of data centers and electric vehicles in driving energy consumption. Residential and commercial demand is also expected to grow steadily, especially with the rise in electric vehicle charging at homes and buildings. The council's upcoming 9th Northwest Regional Power Plan aims to address the increasing demand, considering variables like energy efficiency improvements and the adoption of rooftop solar. To manage the surging demand, the council plans to assess various supply side resources, including wind farms, solar installations, battery storage, and geothermal sources. However, transmission constraints in the region pose challenges to scaling up infrastructure swiftly. The article also mentions the council's history of publishing regional power plans every five years since 1983 to ensure an affordable and reliable power supply for the region. The article further outlines the expected growth in data center and computer chip energy demand, particularly in eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and metro areas like Portland and Boise. The council will evaluate potential resources like wind farms, solar installations, and geothermal sources for the next power plan, which is set to be finalized by late 2026. The Northwest Power and Conservation Council, established in 1981, collaborates with the four states in the region to plan energy resources and protect native fish species affected by hydroelectric dams.