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As data centers race to build mission-critical infrastructure, their energy needs are becoming more complex and more urgent. Electricity is often the first focus — grid interconnection timelines, power availability, transmission upgrades — but behind the scenes, gas infrastructure plays a crucial role, especially for sites deploying backup power or bridge power solutions.
And yet, time and again, I’ve watched well-developed project proposals get shelved for a simple, avoidable reason: the only gas capacity available was offered under interruptible service.
Interruptible gas service might work for seasonal industrial loads or non-critical commercial applications, but it simply doesn’t align with the operational realities of modern data centers. Whether we’re talking about backup power, which protects against grid outages, or bridge power, which supports operations until full utility interconnection is available, the power must be there when it’s needed most. Interruptible service doesn’t offer that guarantee.
Firm gas is not optional — it’s essential
In both bridge and backup power contexts, the data center’s reliance on firm, no-notice fuel supply is non-negotiable. If the pipeline capacity can be pulled during peak demand, during a weather event, or during a system constraint, that’s not a viable risk for facilities operating at 99.999% uptime expectations. If the generator can’t run — the data center can’t run. That’s not redundancy. That’s a liability.
A broader responsibility across the gas value chain
Gas pipeline operators, producers, and local distribution companies (LDCs) need to recognize this shift. More and more mission-critical infrastructure is being built in areas that can accommodate firm gas service, if it’s planned and priced appropriately. But too often, the default position is to offer interruptible service as the path of least resistance, even when firm capacity could be made available with modest investment or reallocation of existing assets.
At Enchanted Rock, we’ve supported dozens of data center developers in evaluating sites for resilient power options, and we’ve seen firsthand how the difference between firm and interruptible gas supply can make or break a project.
Our role is to ensure power is available when the grid isn’t, and that begins well before the generator turns on. That’s why we work directly with producers, midstream providers, and LDCs to validate and secure firm gas supply ahead of deployment. It’s not just about having fuel; it’s about knowing the fuel will be there when everything else fails. That’s the standard we design to, and it’s the level of accountability we expect from our gas partners
Time to realign the offering with the opportunity
As data center development continues to expand into new geographies, there’s a real opportunity for gas providers to be part of the solution — but only if they approach it with the same mindset that developers bring to power firm, fast, and future-proof.
The bottom line? Interruptible gas service doesn’t meet the moment. Firm capacity is the new baseline for data center reliability, and it’s time for the gas industry to catch up.
This article was originally published on LinkedIn.
