As data centers and advanced manufacturing drive demand for power, local pushback and public scrutiny are on the rise. When developers lack experience, transparency, or long-term commitment, the project fails and the public power utility is often left to manage the fallout. Explore what a "community first" approach to site development entails, and how Cloverleaf Infrastructure’s development strategy solves the inherent challenges of large-scale infrastructure development (including zoning, transmission capacity, and load ramping) while protecting the interests of the local community

Public power utilities have long excelled at managing risk. Today, though, that strength is being tested in a new way. With aging assets, higher restoration costs, greater regulatory scrutiny, and declining customer trust on the line, the riskiest modernization choice has become inaction. Rethink your approach to risk and change, look at where public power should go from here, and explore why waiting may be the most expensive decision you make.

Learn how Soltage worked with ConEdison to support local distribution grid reliability and congestion issues via neighborhood-to-neighborhood BESS development. Explore how local battery storage solutions can mitigate distribution grid challenges and review what to consider through the development process, including appropriate community engagement and construction best practices.

To get the most valuable insights from data, no matter where it comes from, your utility needs a technology architecture. Hear why Tantalus calls this vision Unified Intelligence, and how your utility can leverage the approach to focus on outcomes, cost, and ease of deployment rather than heavy computing power. Gain insights into how Unified Intelligence brings fragmented grid data into one reliable, actionable view that improves visibility, control, and modernization outcomes.

The challenges of meeting the growth of large load customers extend far beyond infrastructure capacity, to include financial risk exposure, land use compatibility, zoning compliance, environmental considerations, and community acceptance. Examine the policy frameworks and strategies that support responsible growth while protecting customers, communities, and utility financial health, such as cash reserves and cost recovery guarantees. Gain practical guidance on structuring policies that support economic development and review what appropriate safeguards you should have in place for large load projects, including site control, noise mitigation, and local zoning alignment.

Join your fellow 2026 PowerPAC contributors for an exclusive time to connect with each other and to celebrate how your support continues to advance public power's interests in Washington.