Emerging Large Loads Conference

On February 24, 2026, NERC convened its Emerging Large Loads Technical Conference, which examined the implications of rapid growth in data centers and AI driven demand. NERC CEO Jim Robb opened the event, emphasizing collaboration to meet the challenges. He stated that addressing large load risks requires “the right people around the table.” Throughout the event, speakers underscored that the scale, speed, and operational characteristics of modern data centers differ fundamentally from traditional load growth and call for earlier, more coordinated engagement.

Day One focused on defining the risk landscape and current mitigation efforts. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) Director of Office of Electric Reliability, Kal Ayoub,  stressed the urgency of action to set clear expectations to address a “now problem,” not a future one. Multiple utility and data center industry experts reiterated this, exploring load forecast accuracy, dynamic load behavior during grid disturbances, and gaps in observability and modeling.

Day Two shifted toward solutions and forward-looking actions. Discussions examined improvements to large load interconnection processes, more consistent modeling practices, and the reliability considerations associated with data center co-located generation. Participants emphasized early engagement, transparency in data sharing, and clearly defined roles among load owners, utilities, and reliability/planning coordinators. NERC stressed the criticality of continued collaboration and learning.  

NERC’s Large Loads Working Group (LLWG) has published whitepapers on large load characteristics and reliability gaps as well as forthcoming Reliability Guidelines on mitigation.  At the conclusion of the event, NERC’s vice president of registration and standards, Soo Jin Kim, announced NERC’s intent to build on the LLWG’s work to develop criteria for registration of computation-focused large loads along with Reliability Standards and file with FERC by year end.