As the energy sector continues to evolve, utilities are grappling with rapid load growth fueled by data centers, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy. At the T&D World Live conference, industry experts shared their strategies for meeting these demands, emphasizing both regional and national trends affecting transmission and distribution (T&D) networks.
Georgia's Data Center Boom: Planning for Massive Load Increases
Georgia has emerged as a key location for data centers, presenting unique challenges for utilities. Director of DER Strategy at Cobb EMC, Manish Murudkar highlighted how data centers require different types of planning due to their enormous energy demands, which can range from 100 to 1,500 MW.
"Data center load is really a different kind of planning—a different animal," Murudkar explained. "Georgia is becoming a hotbed for data centers, and when you look at the scale of this load, it can be far higher than the entire service area capacity."
With Cobb EMC operating in a 432-square-mile area, accommodating data center loads poses significant challenges.
"Our capacity is around 1,200 megawatts, and these loads can exceed that at one location," he added.
The scarcity of available capacity means that new infrastructure will be essential, but this comes with long lead times and high capital costs.
"It will take another three to six years to build the necessary capacity, and there's always credit risk tied to such large investments," Murudkar said.
Addressing Reliability and Transmission Growth
Senior VP of Transmission Policy at Georgia Transmission, Keith Daniel emphasized the importance of reliable infrastructure amid rapid load and generation growth. Georgia's transmission network has undergone significant changes due to new renewable energy sources, particularly in rural South Georgia, where large-scale generation plants are being developed.
"We're seeing a lot of load growth, and it goes hand-in-hand with generation growth. This is driving a level of capital investment we've never seen before," he said.
To improve reliability, Georgia Transmission has been implementing advanced technologies like remote control switches for its transmission lines.
"These switches have been transformational in reducing outage durations. They allow us to operate the system from the control center and restore service more efficiently," Daniel explained. He also shared that they are piloting the use of advanced conductors to increase transmission capacity without overhauling existing infrastructure.
Georgia Transmission is also experimenting with microgrids to offer cost-effective solutions in rural areas.
“We’re building a microgrid in a rural region as an alternative to traditional transmission and substation infrastructure. Although battery costs are rising, the microgrid will still be less expensive than a traditional solution," Daniel added.
Adopting Technology and AI to Drive Efficiency
Despite advancements in technology, VP of Energy, Utilities, and Resources at IFS, Carol Johnston pointed out that barriers to adoption still exist, particularly in terms of cost, operational complexity, and workforce resistance.
"There's a lot of excitement around AI, and while AI isn't new, we’re seeing a massive interest in its applications," Johnston said.
One key area where AI is making a significant impact is schedule optimization, which has been used for years but is now seeing more widespread adoption.
"With increased load, demand, and a shrinking workforce, AI is helping utilities manage operations more efficiently," she noted.
Johnston also highlighted how AI can be used for predictive maintenance and asset management, allowing utilities to anticipate outages, optimize grid operations, and enhance resiliency.
“We’re seeing AI being used for everything from vegetation management to predicting where EV loads will come from,” she said.
However, Johnston stressed that the success of technological solutions relies heavily on change management within utilities.
“Rolling out new technology will impact daily operations. It’s important to ensure that everyone—vendors, staff, and decision-makers—are on board with the changes and understand how it will benefit their work,” she explained.
A Transformative Time for Utilities
The T&D World Live conference underscored how utilities are adapting to the increasing complexities of load growth and infrastructure demands. Whether it's through advanced transmission technology, microgrids, or AI, the energy sector is evolving to meet the needs of the future.
As Daniel aptly put it: "The scale makes it so important that we get the T&D future right." Balancing rapid load growth with technological innovations will be crucial in ensuring that utilities can meet their customers' needs while maintaining reliability and resilience.
