The rapid growth of hyperscale data centers and artificial intelligence workloads is reshaping electricity demand in ways utilities have not experienced in decades. Large, concentrated loads are emerging faster than traditional planning cycles were designed to accommodate, challenging existing approaches to forecasting, infrastructure development, and system reliability. Utilities, regulators, developers, and infrastructure providers are now working to better align project development timelines with the realities of generation, transmission, distribution, and water systems.

This conference examines the operational, planning, and regulatory issues that arise as utilities and the data center industry respond to this new era of load growth. Sessions will explore how utilities are adapting forecasting models, coordinating earlier with developers, planning transmission and distribution upgrades, and designing tariffs that fairly allocate the cost of infrastructure required to support large new customers. Discussions will also address water use, siting considerations, energy storage strategies, cybersecurity, and the evolving role of regional markets and federal policy.

With AI-driven computing expanding rapidly, the scale and speed of data center development are increasing the risk of interconnection delays, infrastructure bottlenecks, and costly stranded investments if planning is not carefully coordinated. Through case studies, expert perspectives, and practical examples, this program provides a forum for utilities, developers, regulators, and advisors to share strategies for managing large-load growth while maintaining reliability, cost discipline, and long-term system resilience.

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Project Manager Justin Lindemann will be speaking on the panel, “Cost Allocation, Rates & Tariff Design for Large Load Customers” on June 23 from 1:45 – 2:45pm.