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AI & Large Load Growth: Buying Electricity without Burdening Ratepayers

A New Contract Playbook to Enable Secure Investments

July 22, 2026 Online :: Central Time

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EUCI in Partnership with

The rapid expansion of AI, data centers, and other energy-intensive industries is putting new pressure on the U.S. power grid. Utilities are being asked to deliver large amounts of power faster than ever while protecting reliability and keeping costs manageable for existing customers.

This 3-hour online course, in conjunction with Google, examines:

  • How utilities are responding to challenges through updated tariff structures
  • Long-term contracting approaches
  • Emerging models like the Capacity Commitment Framework (CCF).

These approaches help utilities secure upfront commitments from large-load customers before major infrastructure investments are made.

Attendees will gain practical insights into:

  • How utilities structure agreements
  • Manage regulatory needs
  • Work with stakeholders to support growth without compromising affordability or system reliability
  • Real-world implementation challenges utilities face with new large-load projects

Register today for this complimentary course to learn how utilities are preparing for rapid load growth, supporting economic development, and balancing customer protection with long-term infrastructure needs.

Register

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Individual attendee(s)$ 0.00 each

Agenda

Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Central Time

Online

Log In & Welcome

11:45 AM

Adjourn for the day

3:00 PM

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Log In & Welcome

12:00 - 3:00 PM

Course Timing

Introduction & Course Framing

  • Course goals, structure, and key takeaways

Reality of Large Loads & Energy Affordability

  • Data center and other large load demand projections
  • Impacts on utility resource planning and capital needs
  • Drivers of electricity price increases in the U.S.

Inside the Capacity Commitment Framework (CCF) Structure

  • Core pillars and structure of the contracting framework
  • Value proposition for utilities, regulators and customers
  • Implementation use cases and ratepayer protections

Pathway to Capacity Commitment Framework (CCF) Adoption

  • Regulatory and legislative arena navigation
  • Combining other growth-enabling instruments
  • Political and stakeholder considerations

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

  • Making the “Ratepayer Protection Plan” reality
  • Recap of CCF structure and economic benefits
  • Next steps to implement in your energy market
  • Q&A

Instructor

Ellen Zuckerman

Head of Energy Market Development for North and South America

Google

Ellen Zuckerman is the Head of Energy Market Development for North and South America at Google, where she leads Alphabet's efforts to achieve its ambitious 24/7 carbon-free electricity commitment. In this role, she drives the company’s strategy to decarbonize its global energy usage, overseeing a broad portfolio of initiatives and partnerships.

Prior to her work at Google, Ellen built a diverse career focused on energy efficiency and demand-side management. She has designed, implemented, and managed programs and policies for a range of stakeholders, including state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, philanthropies, and major corporations across more than half of the United States. Her expertise spans program performance, policy advocacy, and strategic marketing, with a deep commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

In 2020, Ellen was honored as a "Champion for Energy Efficiency" by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for her leadership and contributions to the field.

Ellen graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in Geosciences and a minor in Environmental Studies. She also holds a Master’s in Energy Law, awarded summa cum laude, from Vermont Law School.

Continuing Education Credits

Who Should Attend

  • Utility regulatory affairs professionals
  • Utility pricing and rate design teams
  • Resource planning and strategy leaders
  • Utility innovation and large-load teams
  • Regulators and policy advisors
  • Large energy customers exploring new procurement models