PowerUp Data Centers Summit

PowerUp Data Centers will bring together data center developers, policymakers, utilities & renewable energy providers to explore how to seize the opportunities and meet the challenges of reliably powering hyperscale data centers.

Panel: Dealing with Data Center Siting Constraints and Local Permitting Issues

Monday, July 21, 2025 | 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM

Beyond their interconnection with the grid, data center projects deal with myriad other local permitting issues involving not only electricity, but also gas supply, water usage, and potentially zoning issues. The build-up of solar and other renewable energy projects to supply data centers with clean power to meet corporate goals has also engendered local opposition. This panel will explore how local issues are affecting the siting decisions and permitting challenges faced by data centers, and their impacts on regulatory actions and permitting.

• What is driving local opposition to data centers?

• What issues are being encountered regarding water usage and gas supplies?

• Why are the economic development aspects of data centers a mixed bag for local residents and their representatives?

• What are the perceived impacts of new data centers on electricity costs? What are the potential solutions to cost allocation mechanism that could avoid or minimize cost impacts to local rate pay

Panelists:
Benton Blaine, Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield
Bill Thomas, Senior Vice President, Energy, Cleanarc Centers
Joel Yu, Senior Vice President, Policy & External Affairs, Enchanted Rock