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Google Seeks Status as Electricity Marketer Joining a handful of other non-energy industry players such as Alcoa, Safeway Inc. and Kohler Co., Google has applied to the FERC for approval to become an electricity marketer.
More than anything, the move is indicative of the quantities of power needed to operate Google’s data centers, which are scattered around the country at undisclosed locations.
If it receives FERC’s approval, Google would have authority to buy and sell bulk power at market prices. Google says the change in status would give the company more access to renewable energy. In 2007, the company said it would endeavor to become “carbon neutral.”
Some estimates put Google’s data center power use at about the output of two conventional power plants. But, according to the Wall Street Journal, the company also has language in its application that reserves its right to purchase and resell electricity and trade in the bulk power markets. Elsewhere in the energy sector, Google is partnering with several utilities to roll out a monitoring tool that works in conjunction with smart meters and other devices to help consumers reduce their electricity use. |
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