Data centers are often framed as a technology story, but it may be one of the most important economic growth, energy, and public finance stories in the country. Data center investment has become a major driver of U.S. economic growth and is likely to remain one over the next several years. That growth comes with consequences. Utilities are facing some of the strongest electricity demand in decades, forcing difficult debates about affordability, reliability and infrastructure investment. As those debates move from boardrooms into state capitols and city halls, the municipal market may become an increasingly important source of financing for the infrastructure needed to support growth. The Center on Municipal Capital Markets (CMCM) at The University of Texas at Austin is glad to host a conversation among utility, law, finance, policy, technology, and academic leaders working in real time on questions like: How are these deals and contracts structured, and who bears the demand risk? How are utilities and hyperscalers partnering on speed-to-power? How are rate-setting and cost allocation evolving as affordability draws more public attention? And how are Texas and other states adapting their rules to manage large-load growth? All of this and more will be discussed at the event.
Powering the AI Buildout: Data Centers, Public Power, and the Municipal Market
This event is in collaboration with the UT Center on Municipal Capital Markets and the Southern Municipal Finance Society.
Following the panel, join us for a reception and scrum for some networking and a spirited discussion about an array of topics across different sectors that are top of mind for municipal analysts. Light bites, beer, and wine will be served.
The event is free of charge for all attendees. The dress code is business casual.
Bass Lecture Hall
01:30 – 01:35 pm | Welcome Remarks
Tripp Kaiser - Executive Director, Center on Municipal Capital Markets
01:35 – 01:50 pm | Keynote
Tom Falcone - President, Large Public Power Council
Tom Falcone is President of the Large Public Power Council, an association of 29 of the largest not-for-profit public power systems in the United States. Together, LPPC members provide electricity to more than 30.5 million people across 23 states and territories.
01:50 – 02:40 pm | Panel
Panelists
Tom Kozlik - Head of Public Policy and Municipal Strategy
02:40 – 03:00 pm | Q & A
03:00 – 03:45 pm | Cocktail Reception
03:45 – 04:30 pm | Scrum & Networking Reception
The cocktail, scrum and networking reception will all be held in the lobby on the first floor of the same building at the LBJ School
This event is presented by the Center on Municipal Capital Markets at UT Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs
Sponsorship opportunities are available — sponsor logos will appear here as commitments are confirmed. To learn more, reach out to us at lbjcmcm@austin.utexas.edu