Navigating Data Center Load Growth and Customer Strategy

May 13, 2026
Forum
C&I and Data Centers , Reliability & Resiliency , Co-location , Energy Storage

As demand for data centers and other large energy loads continues to rise, strategic grid and interconnection planning is becoming more critical than ever. This session will explore the growing role of data centers in modern energy infrastructure and the need for innovative solutions that balance reliability, sustainability, and customer priorities. Panelists will discuss how organizations can manage increasing load demand through stronger utility collaboration, improve customer resilience with flexible energy solutions, and leverage emerging technologies to support both business growth and broader community needs.

The conversation will also address the increasing pressure on data centers to reduce carbon emissions and meet evolving corporate and regulatory climate goals. As energy markets and customer expectations continue to shift, leaders must find ways to integrate sustainability into long-term planning while remaining agile in a rapidly changing landscape. This panel will highlight how organizations can align operational performance with environmental responsibility to ensure lasting business resilience.

Speakers
Themis Michaelides
Themis Michaelides, LSHCERU Business Insights – Global Head Advisory & Consulting - TCS
Anupam Thatte
Anupam Thatte, Market Operations Engineer Lead - ERCOT
Justin Felt
Justin Felt, Director, Policy Analysis and Development - Exelon
Liuxi (Calvin) Zhang
Liuxi (Calvin) Zhang, Engineering Director, Critical Power Solutions - EATON
Moderator
Po-Chen Chen
Po-Chen Chen, Consulting Director for Data, Analytics and AI Practice, LSHCERU Business Insights - Tata Consultancy Services