Virtual Roundtable Series for Regulators: Load Growth and Large Loads, Session 3

In response to forecasts for substantial electric load growth driven by electrification, reshoring of domestic manufacturing, and new types of discreet large loads such as data centers, NARUC convened a series of Demand Roundtables during its three large conferences in 2025. These events were well attended and generated several important findings.

Because of the importance of quickly connecting new large loads, the impacts such loads may have on electric system resource adequacy, reliability, and affordability, and the challenges and opportunities this presents for utility regulators, NARUC is facilitating a series of virtual roundtables for regulators during the first quarter of 2026. In contrast to the in-person roundtables in 2025, and to facilitate open and candid conversations, these discussions are open only to state utility commissioners. The objectives of the roundtable series are to:

• Provide utility regulators with the opportunity to share their perspectives and query their peers on how they are making decisions, important considerations, uncertainties, questions, and potential solutions to load growth, particularly from new large loads.
• Identify topics that may benefit from additional dialogue or research in the coming year.
• Gather successful strategies and approaches shared by members and disseminate to all NARUC members (anonymized if necessary).

The Roundtables will be held at the following dates and times. Advanced registration is required.

• Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. ET
• Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET

• Monday, March 9, 2026 at 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET, register now.