Power Supply and Resource Adequacy for G&T Co-ops Serving Large Loads

LLDC Learning Hub Key Topic Area

Resources for Electric Cooperatives


Additional Resources from The Industry

The following are additional resources available from industry stakeholders regarding power supply and resource adequacy for generation and transmission co-ops serving large loads:

  • Speed to Power: Solutions for Accelerating Large Load Connections, LBNL (Kahrl & Frick, June 2026, DOE Office of Electricity)
    A 41-solution compendium across load forecasting, interconnection, utility procurement, markets/operations, and cost allocation/ratemaking. Covers flexible interconnection (staggered, static, and dynamic connection limits), coordination between interconnection and planning processes, advance equipment procurement, and large-load tariff design (eligibility, standard rates, risk mitigation, interruptible service). Notably profiles Minnkota Power Cooperative's interconnection process as a named co-op example.
  • Characteristics and Risks of Emerging Large Loads, NERC
    Reliability-standards-body white paper on how large loads affect bulk-power-system resource adequacy, including under-forecasting risk and the fact that most large loads request firm (non-flexible) service.
  • New Ways to Power Data Centers and Other Large Energy Users, RMI (2026)
    Explains BYO tariffs as a complement to baseline large-load tariffs and specifically cites Tri-State Generation and Transmission's "Bring Your Own Resources" program.
  • Knowledge Exchange: A Guide for Serving Large Loads, CoBank (January 2026)
    This digital guide is a practical resource to help electric cooperatives address the unique challenges of integrating large loads.
  • Knowledge Exchange: A G&T coordinated approach to upstream cost allocation, CoBank (January 2026)
    A case study highlighting Tri-State G&T's efforts to coordinate with their members on policies for effective large load supply management.
  • Powering Intelligence 2026, EPRI (February 2026) – A scenario-based analysis of how much electricity U.S. data centers will use through 2030 and how the grid might supply it, built from state-level data on operating, under-construction, and announced capacity.
  • Forecasting for Large Loads: Current Practices and Recommendations, ESIG (December 2025)
    A report of how utilities and system operators currently forecast large loads that finds existing methods inconsistent and lacking transparency, and recommends standardizing around five core metrics for evaluating prospective load so that resource and transmission plans aren't built on speculative demand.
  • Large Load Modeling for Dynamic Studies: Current Practices and Recommendations, ESIG (March 2026)
    A report outlining outlines the power system modeling needs for large electronic loads such as data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, hydrogen production plants, and advanced manufacturing that are fundamentally different from traditional residential, commercial, and industrial demand.
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Find Out More at NRECA's LLDC Learning Hub

These resources are part of our Large Loads and Data Centers Learning Hub and are intended to assist electric cooperatives in understanding and preparing for the opportunities and challenges presented by evolving large loads in our industry.

Visit our Learning Hub for information and resources on other Key Topic Areas.

 

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