Tom Hanrahan, general counsel for Wisconsin Public Power, presented WPPI's portfolio, its member services and warned that rapid growth of data centers could drive material new power demand and higher market costs; WPPI expects some upward rate pressure in 2026.

Alberta’s Electric Grid Adapts to Growing Data Center Demand The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is implementing a phased approach to integrating increasing data center loads into the province's power grid. This transition addresses the need for significant adjustments to accommodate continued data center growth, moving from a temporary solution to a long-term, sustainable framework. Phase 1, the current interim approach, focuses on immediate capacity needs, aiming to integrate up to 1200 MW of new load. This phase emphasizes rapid action, with key deadlines including June 2025 for developer qualification and August 2025 for contract execution. Developers must demonstrate financial stability and technical readiness to participate, and timelines may be accelerated based on project responses. Contracts, termed Demand Service (DTS) contracts, can be transferred but are location-specific. Looking ahead, Phase 2 will begin in the latter half of 2025 and focuses on establishing a long-term, sustainable framework. This phase will incorporate several key areas, including adherence to North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards (anticipated by Q2 2026), a redesign of the Independent System Operator (ISO) tariff, and a comprehensive review of cost allocation for ancillary services and transmission upgrades. Enhanced grid planning and forecasting to accurately predict future large load growth will also be prioritized. The AESO plans to develop new generation, tariff, and market tools while collaborating with industry and government stakeholders. For developers seeking to participate, early qualification is essential to secure capacity. Demonstrating financial stability, adhering to contractual deadlines, and remaining adaptable to evolving AESO policies are crucial. Developers must also stay informed about impending changes in NERC standards, ISO rules, and cost allocation policies. The evolving approach necessitates flexibility and proactive engagement with the AESO’s evolving strategies. For further information, contact Trevor Q. Morawski, Audrey Bouffard-Nesbitt, or Tyson M. Jackson at McCarthy Tétrault. | Feature | Phase 1: Interim Approach | Phase 2: Long-Term Framework | |---|---|---| | **Goal** | Short-term capacity integration | Sustainable, scalable framework | | **Start Date** | Current (leading to 2026) | Second half of 2025 | | **Capacity Limit** | Implied 1200 MW | Unlimited, dependent on generation and infrastructure | | **Key Deadlines** | June 2025 (Qualification), August 2025 (Contract Execution) | N/A - Ongoing development | | **Focus Areas** | Qualification, MW allocation, contract execution | NERC standards, ISO tariff redesign, cost allocation, forecasting | | **Timeline** | Relatively short, potentially accelerated | Long-term, iterative development | | **Main Challenges** | Meeting deadlines, financial security, contractual compliance | Regulatory changes, cost allocation debates, grid planning |

Space solar technology has created the conditions for launching data centers into orbit, taking advantage of ultra-low energy costs.

Space solar technology has created the conditions for launching data centers into orbit, taking advantage of ultra-low energy costs.

Researchers and innovators are developing new strategies for addressing data center demand and other new loads on the US electricity grid.

Sodium batteries are working their way into the commercial energy storage market in the US, challenging Tesla.