Amid the rise of data centers, industrial job creation remains a priority.
At the Utility Economic Development Association (UEDA) Forum in Traverse City, Michigan, attendees were tracking projections by the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) that data centers could consume up to 12% of U.S. electric demand by 2028, an increase from 4.4% in 2023.
New procedures for load planning were discussed, such as interconnection study fees, so that utilities can assess serious asks only, plan strategically for new grid infrastructure, and assure customers that costs and benefits of new infrastructure investment will be fairly allocated.
New industrial job creation remains a primary driver for utility economic developers, and they shared how their site selection project tracking systems help them see trends and advocate for resources. And many are working on large load customer tariffs to manage the costs of growth in tandem with goals for economic development.
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