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Power Planning Guide

When the Grid Can't Keep Up: Why Large-Load Developers Are Becoming Their Own Power Suppliers

Electricity demand is outpacing grid capacity in many markets. Data centers, AI infrastructure, advanced manufacturing facilities, and other large-load developments are facing utility interconnection delays and uncertainty around power availability.

This guide explores how onsite generation, energy storage, microgrids, and distributed energy resources can help improve speed to power, reliability, and power certainty. Learn how integrated power strategies can help address grid constraints and support large-load development.

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Whats inside

What's inside this guide...

Why grid constraints and utility interconnection delays are creating challenges for large-load developments.

How onsite generation can help address power timing, capacity, and reliability requirements.

The role of energy storage, microgrids, and distributed energy resources in supporting resilient power infrastructure.

How utilities and onsite power resources can work together as part of an integrated energy strategy.

Lessons from mission-critical energy projects that can inform complex and large-load power planning.

Key considerations for supporting both immediate power needs and long-term growth.

What is behind-the-meter power generation?

Behind-the-meter generation refers to energy resources located on the customer side of the utility meter. These resources may include generators, battery energy storage systems, fuel cells, solar energy systems, and microgrids that support facility power needs.

What does speed to power mean?

Speed to power refers to how quickly a project can obtain the electrical capacity needed for development or operations. It can be influenced by available grid capacity, utility interconnection timelines, permitting requirements, and onsite energy resources.

Why are utility interconnection timelines increasing?

Growing electricity demand, grid capacity limitations, infrastructure upgrades, equipment lead times, and permitting requirements are contributing to longer interconnection timelines in many utility territories.

What is power certainty?

Power certainty is the confidence that sufficient electrical capacity will be available to support both current operations and future growth. It depends on factors such as utility capacity, onsite resources, system design, and long-term planning.

How can organizations address power needs in grid-constrained markets?

Organizations may evaluate onsite generation, battery storage, microgrids, demand management strategies, and phased development approaches alongside utility service to help address power capacity and timing requirements.

What are distributed energy resources and microgrids?

Distributed energy resources (DERs) are local energy assets such as onsite generation, battery storage, solar energy systems, and controllable loads. Microgrids coordinate these resources through intelligent controls to improve reliability and resilience.

Who should read this guide?

This guide is intended for data center developers, infrastructure and energy leaders, industrial operators, utility stakeholders, site-selection teams, investors, and organizations evaluating reliable power strategies for large-load facilities.