Powering Data Centers: Balancing Growth with Sustainability & Affordability

As the demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow, particularly with the advancement of AI, local governments must navigate the complex balance between data center expansion and regional resource constraints. This forum will explore the realities of Bay Area data center development, distinguishing between buzz about very large facilities serving “hyperscalers” and the smaller-scale cloud storage projects that are more likely to enter local permitting pipelines. Speakers will examine actionable solutions for maintaining grid reliability and protecting ratepayer affordability while managing the environmental impacts of intensive energy use. Join us for this online event, which is free and open to all.

Welcome and Introductions
Barry Hooper, Senior Green Built Environment Coordinator, City and County of San Francisco | Watch Recorded Presentation

Panel: Data Centers and the Grid
Caliber Strategies
Ed Randolph, Partner & Grace Pratt, Associate, Caliber Strategies | Watch Recorded Presentation

Pacific Gas & Electric 
Karen Khamou Ornelas, Director of Strategic Commercial Solutions, PG&E | Watch Recorded Presentation

Panel 1 Q&A | Watch Recorded Presentation

Title 24 Codes and Standards Proposal – Data Centers
Aniruddh Roy, Engineering Fellow, Policy & Ratings, Energy Solutions | Watch Recorded Presentation

Panel: Solutions & Implications for Local Jurisdictions
City of Santa Clara
Reena Brilliot, Director of Economic Development & Sustainability, City of Santa Clara | Watch Recorded Presentation

City of San Jose
Erica Garaffo, Large Load Energy Customer Development Lead, City of San Jose | Watch Recorded Presentation

WattCarbon
McGee Young, Founder and CEO of WattCarbon, Inc.| Watch Recorded Presentation

Panel 3 Q&A and Closing Remarks | Watch Recorded Presentation

Other Resources:
BayREN Forum Q1 2026 Q&A and Resources