Oregon-based Portland General Electric and GridCARE successfully completed their first joint project to accelerate large load interconnections using flexibility for data centers in Hillsboro, Oregon.
This will result in over 80 MW of incremental capacity available for data center load in 2026, part of a total of more than 400 MW that will be energized by 2029.
“The novel generative AI-forecasting methodology more efficiently uses existing grid infrastructure to meet growing electricity demand in key economic sectors," they said.
Hillsboro is a major data center hub in the U.S., thanks to its access to a diverse energy mix, robust fiber connectivity, and temperate climate, the utility and company said.
"These advantages have attracted a large number of data center projects with billions of dollars to invest. Meeting this demand requires innovative approaches that both accelerate load interconnections and safeguard affordability for all customers," Portland General Electric and GridCARE said.
To identify and validate capacity on the existing system, PGE used GridCARE’s patented DeFlex™ methodology, to apply generative AI forecasting, detailed hourly demand modeling, and grid flexibility solutions.
By optimizing the use of flexible resources such as batteries and onsite generation, PGE is able to interconnect multiple data center customers years earlier than initially expected.
This breakthrough approach provides multiple benefits:
• Faster interconnection for large loads without waiting for multi-year upgrades,
• More efficient use of existing grid assets, controlling costs for all customers, and
• Increased flexibility that supports both system reliability and energy goals.
"GridCARE’s platform helps utilities validate their planning, model flexibility at scale, and relieve interconnection queues. By doing so, it supports billions in new local and regional economic investment while reinforcing the utility’s core mission of reliable and safe power delivery, while serving energy at the lowest cost possible," a news release from the utility and company said.
