Demand flexibility among data centers could reduce the need for new gas-fired generation needed to supply their energy consumption while driving development of additional renewables and cutting electricity prices, according to a Duke University report.

FERC can make large load flexibility a reality through the implementation of the Department of Energy’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on large load interconnections, according to a new Nicholas Institute policy paper.

A new study from Duke University says the existing power system could handle much of the demand growth expected in the coming years with no additional generation if artificial intelligence data centers can be persuaded to cut their energy use by as little as 1% during times of peak demand.