Electricity demand is growing exponentially in the United States, driven by the proliferation of data centers and artificial intelligence (AI). Grid constraints have made securing access to power no simple task, leading utilities, developers, and policymakers to devise creative mechanisms to support energy-intensive operations.
A new DISTRIBUTECH event, DTECH Data Centers & AI, will help stakeholders in this burgeoning industry navigate power constraints and project delays while balancing the demand for sustainable, flexible solutions. Influential executives and thought leaders will assemble in San José, California from May 27-29, 2025 to discuss how AI is transforming the utility landscape and explore ways power providers can manage increasing demand while utilizing the revolutionary tools promised by new technologies.
Residing at the intersection of energy and digital infrastructure, DTECH Data Centers & AI will feature workshops, educational sessions, and keynote sessions led by experts in their fields. Here are some things to look forward to on the event’s agenda.
Keynote: Utility Executives on Load Growth, Reliability, and Equitable Data Center Expansion
May 27, 2025, 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM PT, Imperial Ballroom, Hilton Signia San José
Speakers: Ted N. Geisler – President, Arizona Public Service; Chris Womack – Chairman, President, and CEO, Southern Company; Cindy Crane – CEO, PacifiCorp
In this keynote, utility executives will share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid growth in data center energy demand. Panelists will discuss how utilities are adapting to evolving load requirements, enhancing grid reliability, and prioritizing sustainability while navigating increasing pressure from hyperscalers and data center developers. This session will explore innovative utility strategies for load planning, capacity expansion, and collaboration, as well as how utilities can build stronger partnerships with data center developers to ensure mutual success in a dynamic energy landscape.
Opening Reception
May 27, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM PT, Imperial Prefunction, Hilton Signia San José
Let’s be real- receptions are a great way to meet peers and connect with decision-makers across the data center, artificial intelligence, and utility industries. Also? Free beverages. Make sure to add one of the event’s networking events to your calendar.
Keynote: Data Centers Executives and the New Energy Landscape
May 28, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PT, Imperial Ballroom, Hilton Signia San José
In this Keynote, hyperscalers and leading data center developers will share their experiences with utilities, power procurement, and the evolving expectations around data center energy use. Insights from this panel include data center developers’ expectations from utilities, perceptions of energy reliability and sustainability, and how utilities can improve relationships with developers. Panelists will also discuss innovative partnerships with utilities, from the energy procurement process to load management strategies.
Beyond Chatbots: Generative AI and Energy
May 28, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM PT, Crystal, Hilton Signia San José
Speakers: Andy Bochman – Senior Grid Strategist, Idaho National Laboratory; Jerry Hartanto – AI Consultant Senior Manager; Santiago Grijalva – Professor, Georgia Tech; Alexander Chia – Engineer, Consolidated Edison
Generative AI is revolutionizing the energy sector far beyond customer chatbots, offering transformative tools for optimizing operations, managing grid complexity, and accelerating clean energy adoption. This session offers a deep dive into how utilities and power producers are leveraging AI to create efficiencies —from grid virtualization and market bidding to predictive analytics and autonomous systems— while also examining potential safety and reliability risks. Panelists will share use cases and insights into AI-driven scenario planning, discussing trends shaping its future.
Data Center Load Growth Outlook
May 28, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM PT, Imperial Ballroom, Hilton Signia San José
Speakers: Ann Collier – Senior Manager, Emerging Technologies, SEPA; Kush Patel – Senior Partner, E3; Alyssa Koslow – Director of Data Center Strategy, Arizona Public Service (APS); Michael Van Dyke – Director of Public Affairs, STACK Infrastructure
Over the past two years, data centers have emerged as a trillion-dollar opportunity, driving significant electricity demand in an increasingly digitized economy. This raises critical questions for policymakers, utilities, and consumer advocates: How much demand will data centers create, and can utilities meet it while achieving clean energy targets and equitable cost allocation? Drawing on real-time insights, this panel will share innovative approaches, from forecasting large loads to managing energization queues, as well as explore solutions like new business strategies, tariffs, and technology partnerships. Panelists will also discuss strategies for navigating uncertainties and fostering collaboration to build a clean, affordable and competitive electricity grid.
Keynote: The Role of Policy and Regulation in Supporting Data Center Growth and Energy Sustainability
May 28, 2025, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM PT, Imperial Ballroom, Hilton Signia San José
Speakers: Nick Myers – Vice Chairman, Arizona Corporation Commission; Jehmal Hudson – Judge, Virginia State Corporation Commission; Matt Mahan- Mayor of San José
In this keynote, regulatory leaders will explore the critical role of policy and regulation in addressing the surging energy demands of data centers. Panelists will discuss how evolving regulations can foster innovation, ensure grid reliability, and support sustainable energy solutions for both utilities and data center developers. Topics include regulatory frameworks for capacity planning, energy procurement, and renewable integration, as well as how regulators are working to bridge the gap between industry growth and infrastructure readiness. This session will provide valuable insights into how collaboration among regulators, utilities, and developers can drive progress in an increasingly complex energy landscape.
Data Center Playbook: Best Practices for Data Center Customer Engagement
May 28, 2025, 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM PT, Crystal, Hilton Signia San José
Speakers: Scott Scharli – Director, Strategic Energy Management, Salt River Project; Chris Pruitt – Senior Director of Data Center Operations, Silicon Valley, CoreSite; Jason Willard – Director, Business Development, Georgia Power; Lon Huber – Senior Vice President, Pricing and Customer Solutions, Duke Energy
As data centers grow to meet surging AI workloads, effective collaboration between utilities and their data center customers is more critical than ever. This session will provide a roadmap for engaging with data center customers, from establishing transparent communication channels to navigating organizational silos. Panelists will share practical strategies for managing customer relationships, from initial site selection through ongoing operations and expansion. Learn how to streamline cross-departmental collaboration, covering engineering, legal, and customer service teams, to ensure seamless data center integration.
Addressing Hyperscale Growth: Strategies for Integrating Data Center Loads onto the Grid
May 28, 2025, 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM PT, Gold, Hilton Signia San José
Speakers: Horea Catanase – Director, Interconnection Services, Electric Power Engineers (EPE); Amanda King – Director, Strategic Transmission Planning, Xcel Energy; Mike Della Penna – Data Center Transmission Lead, Google
As hyperscale data centers drive unprecedented demand on the grid, how will we meet the moment? This panel brings utilities, data center developers, and energy experts together for a dynamic discussion on how to address current barriers and leverage collaborative strategies. Specific topics include load growth, regional readiness, and innovative solutions to integrate these large loads seamlessly and sustainably. Panelists will also address fairness in cost allocation and evaluate the co-location of generation and data centers as a potential long-term strategy.
Harnessing AI for Load Forecasting Precision
May 28, 2025, 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM PT, Crystal, Hilton Signia San José
Speakers: Lam Nguyen – Engineer, Southern California Edison; Le Xu – Engineering Manager, Southern California Edison; Marcelo Sandoval, Global Product Manager, Energy Transition Analytics, Landis + Gyr
The rapid growth of data centers presents new challenges for utilities striving to maintain grid reliability. AI-based load forecasting tools are transforming how utilities predict data center energy consumption, allowing for more accurate planning and seamless integration into the grid. This session will explore how AI is improving load forecasting accuracy and driving smarter utility planning. Attendees will hear real-world examples of how AI-driven forecasting has enhanced grid operations and resource allocation.
Keynote Address from Nabeel Mahmood – CEO, Nomad Futurist
May 29, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PT, Imperial Ballroom, Hilton Signia San José
Data Center Colocation and AI’s Nuclear Play
May 29, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM PT, Imperial Ballroom, Hilton Signia San José
Speakers: Rahul Anilkumar – Director and Executive Advisor, Transmission Quanta Technology; Benjamin Strate – Senior Manager, Transmission Analytics, Constellation Energy; Sai Vijayaraman – Senior Energy Strategy Manager, Transmission, Amazon Web Services (AWS); Colleen Leuken – Market Development Director, AES Corporation; Clift Pompee – VP Power & Emissions, Compass Datacenters
The concept of colocating data centers with power generation facilities is gaining momentum as a strategy to meet surging energy demands, with nuclear power colocation specifically a popular option. This session will examine the technical, regulatory, and economic aspects of data center-generator colocation, with a focus on nuclear’s role in this emerging model. Panelists will discuss cost-sharing and reliability implications for grid-tied consumers and how to balance the needs of external stakeholders with the strategic interests of generators and data center developers.
Powering the Future: Onsite Energy Solutions and Considerations for Data Centers
May 29, 2025, 11:15 AM – Noon PT, Crystal, Hilton Signia San José
Speakers: Spencer Hanes – VP of Global Business Development, EnerVenue; Umair Zia – VP of Electric Systems Operations, Long Island Power Authority; Drazena Brocilo – R&D Manager, Meta
Data center companies are increasingly looking toward on-site or adjacent power generation or storage to alleviate grid constraints or work around utility interconnection delays. In some cases, they’re choosing the microgrid route, where the site operates its generation to enable full or partial island operation in the absence of the larger grid. On-site generation could help solve data centers’ power problems, but it may not substantially reduce generation and transmission infrastructure investments on the utility side. This panel will explore the different on-site energy applications, and how utilities and data center customers can leverage these technologies to alleviate peak load periods while improving power quality. Panelists will also discuss potential long-term impacts on the traditional utility model, with considerations for infrastructure investment and cost-sharing.
Let’s Make a Deal: Rate Design and Interconnection Considerations for Data Centers
May 29, 2025, 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM PT, Imperial Ballroom, Hilton Signia San José
Speakers: Brian Cole – VP of Resource Management, APS; Ahsan Yousufzai – Global Head of Business Development & Strategy, Generative AI and Energy, NVIDIA; Marilyn Jayachandran – Manager, Advanced System Analytics & Modeling, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC); Pablo Ovando – Principal Transmission Strategy, Microsoft
Dive into the intricacies of rate design for data centers, discussing pricing models, incentives, and balancing load predictability with utility profitability. Panelists will highlight key considerations for structuring rates for data centers, balancing revenue with data center customer energy needs, and opportunities for incentive-based rate designs that support sustainability.
Where Will the (Clean) Power Come From? Balancing Sustainability Goals with Resource Adequacy
May 29, 2025, 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM PT, Imperial Ballroom, Hilton Signia San José
Speakers: Joe Zerdin – Director of Key Account Management, Hydro One; Duncan Campbell – Vice President, Scale Microgrid Solutions; Jeff St. John – Director of News and Special Projects, Canary Media; Lori Mitchell – Director, San Director, San José Clean Energy
Widespread load growth from data centers, manufacturing, and electrification is complicating efforts to meet sustainability goals. As we meet at the intersection of energy transition and energy expansion, how do we get to net zero? Join industry leaders from power and digital infrastructure as they tackle the dual challenge of securing clean energy for data centers while ensuring grid reliability.
Keynote: Department of Energy Objectives for Tackling Rapid Load Growth
May 29, 2025, 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM PT, Imperial Ballroom, Hilton Signia San José
In this closing keynote, Department of Energy experts will share research and guidance for utilities, data centers, and regulators to address the challenges posed by rapid load growth, including action items and tangible takeaways to facilitate improved collaboration and progress.