Powering Data Center Load Growth with Grid Enhancing Technologies

February 05, 2026
26AB
Advanced Operations , C&I and Data Centers , Grid Enhancing Technologies (GET)

As artificial intelligence drives unprecedented energy demand, utilities need to scale capacity quickly, affordably, and reliably. New technologies can unlock capacity on the existing grid, helping utilities meet aggressive timelines and avoid siting construction delays. This panel will showcase how PG&E is rising to the challenge through their planned deployment of Advanced Power Flow Control technology to accelerate data center interconnection. By leveraging this Grid Enhancing Technology to unlock additional transmission capacity on existing infrastructure, the project delivers faster, more cost-effective capacity expansion to integrate new large loads – without requiring extensive new construction. This session will explore how PG&E’s approach can serve as a model for utilities nationwide, ensuring that energy-intensive loads across the country can be powered with reliability, flexibility, and speed. It will also cover how state and federal policy are accelerating the deployment of Grid Enhancing Technologies.

Speakers
Chad Dupuis
Chad Dupuis, Principal Electrical Engineer - Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Ted Bloch-Rubin
Ted Bloch-Rubin, Director of Business Development, Americas - Smart Wires
Chairperson
Joseph Franz
Joseph Franz - GE Vernova Electrification Software