Planned data center construction is surging to meet demand for cloud applications, cryptocurrency, streaming services and artificial intelligence. Electric co-ops are at the center of that development, with some fielding multiple new requests at a time to serve data centers.
These large loads can benefit co-ops and the communities they serve in a number of ways. They also pose a host of challenges.
NRECA explored this trend in the December issue of RE Magazine, and that exploration continues with this episode of Along Those Lines, where we talk about data center risks and opportunities with Allison Hamilton, markets and rates director for NRECA. We’ll also hear from leaders with two G&Ts getting massive interest from data centers—Jeff Conrad, president and CEO of Wabash Valley Power Alliance, and JD Lowery, director of community and economic development for Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp.
Listen to the episode below:
You can also listen and subscribe to Along Those Lines on your preferred podcast service, such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Find out more about NRECA’s podcast. Questions or suggestions? Email us at AlongThoseLines@nreca.coop.