2026 Conference: Data Centers: New Kids On the Block Panel
Posted on July 9, 2026 by Cassie Allen
Tags, General Interest, Conference & Events
CUB’s Annual Energy Policy Conference is back and better than ever! We’ve recruited industry experts and community leaders to speak on local solutions to the global challenges facing Oregon’s energy sector. Today, we’re excited to announce our morning breakout panel, Data Centers: New Kids on the Block.
Register today for the 2026 CUB Energy Policy Conference and save! Early Bird registration closes at 5:00 pm on September 18.
2026 Conference Theme: Harnessing Local Energy
Finding Local Solutions to (Inter)National Energy Challenges
In just the last few years, Oregon’s energy landscape has seen many big, new challenges. We’ve seen hyperscaled energy demand from data centers, cuts to federal support for customers and utilities, large rate increases, and record household disconnections. With all of these hurdles, attention is increasingly turning to what we can do close to home to address both our energy needs and the human impacts of our industry.
In a world with increasingly globalized energy, we need to start to think more locally for solutions.
Panel 1A—Data Centers: New Kids On the Block
Over the last few years, the demand for electricity in Oregon has grown significantly, largely due to data centers. When these new neighbors come to town, we need to work collaboratively to ensure we all have our needs met. Oregonians have all done our part through shifting when we use energy, piloting demand response programs in our homes, energy efficiency investments, and more. Data center flexibility is critical to being a good grid neighbor. We will discuss effective data center energy efficiency and policy, and what it looks like for DCs to shoulder a fair share of the flexibility responsibility on a shared system.
How can large load energy users create benefits for local communities and the grid? How can we leverage efficiency and flexibility as a tool for affordable energy? What are creative ways data centers can pledge to be good grid neighbors as they connect their outsized loads onto our shared grid?
Moderator: Jennifer Hill-Hart, Policy & Program Director, Oregon CUB
About the Conference
The CUB Energy Policy Conference is designed as a day of discussion, networking, and sharing diverse perspectives. This conference is ideal for community groups, regulators, advocates, utility representatives, attorneys, or those interested in our region’s energy industry.
16th Annual CUB Energy Policy Conference
Friday, October 2, 2026
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sentinel Hotel
614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
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07/07/26 | 0 Comments | 2026 Conference: Data Centers: New Kids On the Block Panel