Power Struggles and Progress: Alignment Between Utilities, Data Center Developers and Communities
The rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers is outpacing the development of utility infrastructure, leading to delays and misalignment in project timelines. Utilities, developers, and regional transmission orgs (RTOs), and communities must proactively collaborate to anticipate future energy demand hotspots, streamline interconnection processes, and upgrade infrastructure in advance. However, conflicting priorities—grid reliability for utilities and RTOs, speed for developers, and environmental concerns for communities—necessitate improved stakeholder engagement to align interests and accelerate project approvals. From streamlining permitting processes and leveraging modular construction techniques to fostering collaboration among utilities, developers, and communities, we’ll examine how innovation and compromise can accelerate project delivery. We’ll also discuss how proactive planning, such as pre-approved infrastructure zones and phased development strategies, can mitigate delays and ensure utilities are prepared for growing energy demands. Join us to uncover how technology, policy incentives, and stakeholder alignment can create a more resilient and efficient energy ecosystem to meet the surging energy demands of AI data centers.
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