The next energy challenge is not just generation. It is where power can go.

Data centers require substantial electricity to operate servers, cooling systems, networking equipment, and supporting infrastructure. As AI models and cloud-computing workloads grow, many facilities are using more power per site than earlier generations of data infrastructure. The effect is not limited to data centers alone; it combines with manufacturing growth, electrification, and broader economic development to increase pressure on local and regional power systems.

A large load is a facility or group of facilities that requires a substantial amount of electricity relative to typical commercial customers in a market. It can include data centers, advanced manufacturing plants, industrial facilities, logistics operations, campuses, electric-fleet depots, and other major energy users. What qualifies as “large” depends on the utility territory and grid conditions, but the common issue is that the load may require new infrastructure, studies, or long-term planning before service can be delivered.

A site can have strong land, workforce, transportation, tax, or market characteristics and still face development risk if the utility cannot provide sufficient power on the required timeline. Developers and large energy users increasingly need to evaluate transmission access, substation capacity, utility service timelines, interconnection requirements, upgrade exposure, and long-term power strategy before committing to a location.

In some cases, on-site generation, battery storage, microgrids, or other behind-the-meter assets can help manage demand, improve resilience, reduce reliance on the grid at specific times, or support phased development. But these assets do not automatically replace the need for utility service, transmission capacity, or long-term power planning. Their value depends on the scale and shape of the load, site conditions, utility rules, financing, and the specific operating objective.

Co-location generally refers to locating generation, storage, and/or large energy demand near one another so they can share infrastructure, reduce delivery constraints, or improve the economics of power supply. The term can describe several structures, including projects connected through the grid, behind-the-meter arrangements, or more directly integrated infrastructure. The feasibility and regulatory treatment depend heavily on market rules, interconnection requirements, utility policies, and project design.

Start with the anticipated load, operational timeline, site requirements, utility territory, available infrastructure, interconnection pathway, generation and storage options, power-procurement needs, and potential capital structure. The goal is to understand whether the site, power path, and development timeline can realistically align before substantial commitments are made.

Surge can help evaluate these variables early, connect the relevant development and capital considerations, and clarify a practical path forward for a site, project, or major-load opportunity.