Policy priorities

Energy Access

America’s lead in advanced computing depends on reliable, affordable power. DPN advocates for policies that accelerate power access, improve facility efficiency, and reward operational flexibility. This enables AI, high-performance computing, and digital asset infrastructure to grow while supporting grid reliability and protecting other electricity customers from unfair costs.

By the numbers

Demand is outrunning the grid

Data centers use a growing share of U.S. electricity, while most projects that ask to connect to the grid are never built.

4.4%

Share of U.S. electricity used by data centers

In 2023

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2024 United States Data Center Energy Usage ReportView source

6.7% to 12%

Projected share by 2028

Depending on how fast AI demand grows

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2024 United States Data Center Energy Usage ReportView source

13%

Of capacity seeking a grid connection was built

Requests from 2000–2020, status at the end of 2025

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Queued Up: 2026 EditionView source
On this page

Challenge

Demand from AI, high-performance computing, and digital asset infrastructure is growing faster than the grid can keep up. Long interconnection queues, equipment shortages, and uncertain service dates delay investment. Operators need dependable power at a manageable cost. Utilities and regulators need to serve that demand without risking reliability or passing unfair costs to existing customers. Traditional planning and rate structures may also overlook differences among computing workloads, including the ability of some facilities to reduce or shift their load during periods of grid stress.

Approach

DPN works with policymakers, utilities, grid operators, and infrastructure providers to match compute growth with what the grid can deliver. We support predictable interconnection processes, coordinated planning, and policies that unlock investment in generation, storage, and efficiency. We push for verified load flexibility to be recognized and rewarded, with requirements that reflect each facility’s operating capabilities and reliability needs. Paired with transparent cost allocation, this approach speeds deployment, strengthens the grid, and lets compute facilities contribute to the energy systems they rely on.

Solution

DPN’s energy policy agenda centers on three priorities:

  1. Accelerate Power Access

    Modernize interconnection and permitting, enable staged service where appropriate, and support co-located generation, storage, and grid upgrades that meet reliability requirements.

  2. Reward Efficiency and Flexibility

    Support advanced cooling and power management, along with tariffs and demand-response programs that recognize verified curtailment and workload shifting where operationally feasible.

  3. Strengthen Grid Planning and Customer Protections

    Improve coordination among developers, utilities, and grid operators, establish transparent cost-allocation rules, and support investment structures that fund necessary infrastructure while protecting existing customers from unfair cost shifts.

Let’s build what comes next

AI, data centers, and digital asset infastructure are reshaping demand. Help keep the grid reliable and affordable as it grows.

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Digital Power Network
Digital Power Network