Explore how utilities are meeting the evolving needs of C&I customers and data centers through partnerships, planning, and clean energy solutions.

Large commercial and industrial (C&I) customers and data centers are driving significant changes in how utilities plan, operate, and invest in their systems. From 24/7 clean energy commitments to ultra-high reliability expectations and rapid load growth, these customers are reshaping the utility-customer relationship. This topic explores how utilities are partnering with C&I customers and data center operators on capacity planning, interconnection, energy-as-a-service models, and decarbonization strategies. Sessions will cover tailored rate structures, grid infrastructure needs, and the role of utilities in enabling sustainable, scalable growth for these critical sectors.

Sponsored by:

Mitsubishi

Featured content

Education Sessions

Data Centers Workshop

February 02, 2026

This workshop is designed to equip utility leaders, planners, and engineers with a clear, actionable strategy for navigating the massive load and complexity introduced by hyper-scale data centers. The curriculum has been broken out into two parts with specific timing and a break in between, enabling attendees to engage with one or both pieces.

Education Sessions

One Year Later: Managing the Large Load Surge in a New Federal Policy Era

February 04, 2026

The first year under the new federal administration has brought sweeping changes to U.S. energy policy - reviving fossil fuel incentives, reassessing decarbonization targets, and fast-tracking permitting for large-scale industrial and data center developments. 

Education Sessions

On-Site Energy Solutions for Sustainable and Reliable Data Centers: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

February 05, 2026

With the rapid growth in demand, data centers are increasingly looking for on-site power generation and storage solutions to relieve grid constraints and navigate utility interconnection delays. Innovative technologies such as advanced on-site generation, power-electronic-based systems, and advanced control and monitoring platforms offer promising pathways to enhance reliability and sustainability.

C&I and Data Centers educational opportunities

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1:00 PM
  1. 5AB
    195 mins
    This workshop is designed to equip utility leaders, planners, and engineers with a clear, actionable strategy for navigating the massive load and complexity introduced by hyper-scale data centers. The …
10:00 AM
  1. 28CD
    50 mins
    As Ontario accelerates its grid modernization efforts, Hydro One is leading the charge with a customer-centric flexibility initiative that aligns with the province’s mandate for non-wires alternatives …
2:00 PM
  1. 26AB
    50 mins
    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 ut …