08/17/2026
Commissioner René Lopez was recently invited to be a panelist at the PowerUp Data Centers Summit in Austin, Texas.
“In July I had the privilege of participating on a panel at the PowerUp Data Centers Summit in Austin, Texas to discuss how state policy is impacting data center projects. Other panelists included Texas representative Giovanni Capriglione, Commissioner Stacey Paradis from the Illinois Commerce Commission, Fred Ochsenhirt, legal advisor to the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Cameron Poursoltan, Director of Energy Policy-Texas for the Data Center Coalition. Together, we discussed issues concerning how states are balancing economic development with ratepayer protections, what commissions are doing to manage the cost impact of large-load demand such as adopting large-load tariffs, and how state policies and legislation can change project requirements and risks. I reiterated Arizona’s “growth pays for growth” philosophy and ensuring large-load customers pay their fair share of costs. In all, I am thankful for the opportunity to have represented Arizona on this topic of statewide and national importance.”