Powering Data Centers: How AI Is Reshaping the U.S. Power Grid

The anticipated power demand from the surge in data center / AI development in the US is staggering.  It has recently been reported that the 5-year forecast of peak utility load growth in the U.S. has increased sixfold just since 2022, with much of that increase attributable to data centers / AI.   Even if all of the expected demand for power from data centers does not materialize, the increased demand is still significant and will strain our grid and has the potential for increasing electricity rates for everyone. 

 This program, presented by Chip Cannon, will discuss the potential impacts of data center / AI development on the reliability of the power grid and on other customers.  The presentation will also focus on what the states and the federal government are doing to ensure power supply and grid access to data centers / AI, in order to ensure that the nation's national security goals are met.  No prior knowledge of U.S. utility law or the power sector is required for this presentation.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the magnitude of the power demand from data centers / AI and its potential impact on the grid
2. Discuss the respective roles of the states and the federal government (acting through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) in regulating power supply and grid access to industrial customers such as data centers /
   AI
3. Review the steps that the states and FERC are taking to ensure reliable supply of power and grid access to data centers / AI
4. Examine what steps the regulators are taking to prevent costs being imposed on other customers in the form of higher utility bills