PG&E Accelerating Connection of New Data Centers throughout Northern and Central California

Core Insights - PG&E is experiencing significant new data center load growth, with 1.4 GW expected from 15 customers across 27 unique sites over the next five years [1] - The company estimates that for every 1,000 MW (1 GW) of new electric demand from data centers, customers may save between 1-2% on their monthly bills in the long term [2] - PG&E's cluster study aims to efficiently meet the energy needs of large loads like data centers by grouping applications together for quicker confirmation and connection [3] Group 1: Load Growth and Customer Benefits - The addition of new electric demand from data centers allows PG&E to better utilize its existing power infrastructure, leading to cost savings for customers [2][4] - PG&E is pursuing load growth in a thoughtful manner, which is expected to lower customer bills while serving the innovation capital of the world [4] - The anticipated steady demand growth from large load transmission customers, including data centers, is expected to improve reliability and lower electric rates by spreading costs over more units of energy [8] Group 2: Regulatory and Process Improvements - PG&E has submitted a proposal for a new Rule 30 tariff to streamline the interconnection process for new electric retail transmission customers, including data centers [5][6] - The Rule 30 tariff allows large load customers to fund their projects upfront, which accelerates PG&E's ability to serve them while protecting existing customers from infrastructure costs if the load does not materialize [7] - This new approach aims to improve PG&E's ability to meet customer requested in-service dates and enhance overall service efficiency [7]