New research from Camus, encoord, and Princeton ZERO Lab, funded by Google, shows how flexible grid connections and bring-your-own capacity (BYOC) can accelerate data center interconnection by 3–5 years while maintaining reliability and protecting ratepayers.
Overview
Data centers across the United States face 3–7-year delays connecting to the electric grid—far longer than the 18-24 months required to build new facilities. This white paper presents a practical solution. Using utility transmission data and leveraging encoord’s integrated planning software SAInt, the study demonstrates how large data centers can reach full power years sooner by combining flexible grid connections with BYOC procurement.
The analysis evaluates six real candidate sites and shows that data centers can operate with >99 percent grid availability, dispatch on-site flexibility only 40–70 hours per year, and avoid cost shifts to other electricity customers.
Key insights:
3–5 years faster interconnection using flexible service combined with BYOC
>99 percent grid availability with limited on-site flexibility dispatch
Mitigation of system buildout and shift of remaining costs onto the data center, reducing risk for other customers
A repeatable blueprint that utilities can apply today using modern planning tools and system data, including SAInt
Who should read this:
Data center developers, utilities, ISOs, regulators, policymakers, investors, and anyone involved in large load interconnection, capacity planning, or grid modernization. Call to action Download the full white paper to explore the modeling approach, site-level findings, cost impacts, and policy implications.
Call to action:
Read the white paper to explore the modeling approach, site-level findings, cost impacts, and policy implications.