Data centers and other new large loads are driving sharp increases in Idaho farmers’ electric bills

Data centers and other new large loads are driving sharp increases in Idaho farmers’ electric bills

A pivoting irrigation system waters a crop of barley on a farm located near Arco, Idaho, during a late summer day. Idaho is a top barley-producing state, growing both malting and feed varieties. (Photo by Johnathan Cohen/Getty Images)In the past five years, irrigators have been hit with unprecedented rate hikes, the combined effects of which are staggering. This year, it will cost 45% more for my family to irrigate our crops than it did in 2021.…