Data Centers and Grid Impacts for State Regulators

March 24, 25, 26, 2026, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM ET each day

This course introduces the utility and regulatory considerations of rising data center electricity demand. Participants will learn about data centers and their energy usage; new load growth drivers and uncertainties; and the evolving and varied toolbox of approaches to accommodate growth through energy policy, utility regulation, and power system planning and operations. The course also explores how stakeholders are pursuing economic growth and speed-to-power alongside affordability, reliability, clean energy, and other objectives.

Fees: 
Dues-Paying Members / Associate & Federal Members: $250
State, Federal, and International Agencies / NASUCA Members / Academia: $450
All Others: $650

Register

Course Outline

• Day 1: What is a Data Center? History, What’s Changed, and the Current Planning Focus
  • Operations in Relation to the Grid, Load Growth Drivers, Forecasts
• Day 2: Tools to Improve Data Center Interconnection & Energy Usage
  • Advances in Interconnection, Technology, and Industry Partnerships
• Day 3: State Policy and Regulatory Toolbox to Accommodate New Large Loads
  • Key State and Federal Policy Developments, Emerging Regulatory Perspectives

Lead Instructor: Ann Collier, Smart Electric Power Alliance. Ann is a Senior Manager at the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), covering emerging technology and energy policy. She directs SEPA's work on DELTA, the Database of Emerging Large-Load Tariffs, and leads additional work on varied AI applications in energy, data center load growth, grid flexibility, and clean firm power.

Joined by: Commissioner Kelsey Bagot (Virginia Corporation Commission) Prior to being elected to the Commission in 2024, Judge Bagot was a Senior Attorney at NextEra Energy, Inc. Previously she served as Legal Advisor to Commissioner Mark C. Christie at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.