Google aims to become electricity seller

Google has applied with the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for permission to buy and sell power in bulk, hoping that could help the company better meet its huge electricity needs. 

Last month Google applied through its Google Energy LLC subsidiary for market-based rate authority, under which it could "engage in wholesale electric power and energy transactions as a marketer," according to the public documents.

According to the Wall Street Journal citing a Google spokeswoman, the company believes its FERC applications, unusual for technology companies, could help it better supervise its energy supply, and gain greater access to renewable energy sources.

Google operates an undisclosed number of data centers, which consume large quantities of energy in order to power its Internet services such as search, video and email.

While most companies with the status of energy marketers are utilities or power generators a few other types of businesses with high electricity needs also have FERC approval.