Utility leaders came together for a collaborative benchmarking discussion focused on the evolving practices and governance required to support reliable load forecasting in an increasingly dynamic operating environment. The conversation highlighted the importance of developing transparent, defensible forecasting processes that balance analytical rigor with organizational collaboration. Participants emphasized that effective forecasting extends beyond technical modeling, requir

This forum reinforced that large load growth, particularly from data centers, is actively reshaping grid operations, planning, and reliability expectations across the industry. The discussion highlighted increasing concern around how these facilities respond to routine transmission events, with recent incidents demonstrating that relatively minor disturbances can trigger significant, rapid load transitions. These events are not driven by loss of service, but rather by interna