Statement From Electric Power Supply Association President and CEO Todd Snitchler on FERC Technical Conference Regarding Large Loads Co-Located at Generating Facilities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As estimates around data center energy needs continue to rise while grid experts raise alarm over resource retirements and supply constraints, the discussion held today by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on emerging solutions to meet the load demands of large customers is a positive step forward, said the head of the Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA). EPSA represents competitive power suppliers providing about 165,000 MW of electric generation capacity to the U.S. grid.
EPSA President and CEO Todd Snitchler released the following statement in response to the FERC Commissioner-led Technical Conference Regarding Large Loads Co-Located at Generating Facilities held Friday, November 1:
“While we have seen varying estimates about how much energy demand data center growth will bring in the coming decade, it is clear that new approaches to solve the emerging situation are needed to build and deliver more power rapidly, as cost-effectively as possible, and most importantly – reliably. While many paths can be taken, competitive power suppliers are uniquely suited – and are already acting – to meet the moment. Our members’ business model allows them to respond nimbly and efficiently to this new market signal to deploy reliable, long-duration generation resources, shielding consumers from investment risks associated with the expected buildout of new resources.
Co-locating power generation resources with large demand customers has emerged as an innovative and promising approach to address this issue. But as with any new arrangement that could impact the existing grid and competitive markets, getting the particulars right and carefully assessing surrounding market ramifications is essential.
We have already seen the impacts to consumers and reliability imposed by policies and regulations that lead to the retirement of dispatchable resources and tightening power supply, underscoring the need for solutions and new ideas that can advance a reliable and cost-effective energy expansion.
We are pleased to see FERC’s leadership on this issue and believe today’s constructive and enlightening discussions will help provide opportunities to flesh out the optimal outcomes for consumers and a reliable power system.”
EPSA previously shared insight on rising power demand and competitive policy approaches to meet the moment reliably and cost-effectively.
###
The Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) is the national trade association representing America’s competitive power suppliers. EPSA members provide about 165,000 MW of reliable and competitively priced electricity from environmentally responsible facilities using a diverse mix of fuels and technologies including natural gas, wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, storage, biomass, and coal. EPSA seeks to bring the benefits of competition to all power customers. Learn more at www.epsa.org and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter @EPSAnews.
