Rinny Singh

Rinny Singh asked about the potential impact of gubernatorial races in Iowa and Wisconsin, with incumbents not running, on regulatory continuity and policy shifts concerning generation planning and large loads. She also inquired whether the challenges for data center development in Wisconsin are primarily tied to local/township concerns or are more broadly based, and if more disclosures are needed for the Meta ICR in Wisconsin.

Answer

Lisa Barton (CEO, Alliant Energy) emphasized Alliant Energy's core philosophy of balancing reliability, resiliency, growth, and affordability, and their commitment that customers will benefit, not pay for, data center growth. She noted the upcoming primaries in both states and expected focus on healthcare, housing, and energy costs. She highlighted the support from Public Utilities Commissions for their approach and the transparency provided by individual customer rate contracts. She clarified that challenges in Wisconsin are viewed as primarily at the township level, citing the QTS DeForest situation's unique annexation and rezoning requirements, and mentioned Governor Evers' strong support for data centers in his State of the State address.

Rinny Singh asked about the potential impact of upcoming gubernatorial races in Iowa and Wisconsin, where incumbents are not running, on regulatory continuity and policy shifts concerning generation planning and large loads. She also inquired whether data center challenges in Wisconsin are primarily local/township concerns or broader, and if more disclosures are needed for the Meta data center's Individual Customer Rate (ICR) filing.

Answer

Lisa Barton, President and CEO, reiterated Alliant Energy's commitment to balancing reliability, resiliency, growth, and affordability, ensuring data center growth benefits existing customers. She noted the upcoming primaries and expected focus on healthcare, housing, and energy costs, emphasizing the strength of individual customer rate contracts for commission oversight. Ms. Barton clarified that data center challenges in Wisconsin are viewed as township-level issues, citing the specific DeForest situation, and highlighted Governor Evers' support for data centers at the state level.

Rinny Singh of Bank of America inquired about Talen's view on data center clustering in Pennsylvania and its implications for the Susquehanna, Freedom, and Guernsey assets. She also asked for an update on the Interconnection Service Agreement (ISA) rehearings and the potential impact on future contracts.

Answer

An executive, likely CCO Chris Morice, confirmed Talen is bullish on data center clustering in Eastern Pennsylvania, viewing it as a positive driver for its entire portfolio, including the newly acquired assets. CEO Mac McFarland addressed the ISA, stating that while commercially focused on the front-of-the-meter AWS deal, Talen continues to legally pursue the behind-the-meter case. He argued that an 'all of the above' approach, including behind-the-meter options, is critical for future grid development.

Rinny Singh of Bank of America inquired about Talen's view on data center clustering in Pennsylvania, particularly around its Susquehanna and Freedom sites. She also asked for an update on the ISA rehearings and their implications for future behind-the-meter contracts.

Answer

An executive confirmed Talen is bullish on data center clustering in Eastern Pennsylvania, viewing it as a positive driver for its entire portfolio. CEO Mac McFarland stated that while they are commercially focused on the front-of-the-meter AWS contract, they continue to pursue the legal and regulatory process for behind-the-meter solutions, arguing all options should be available to support data center growth.

Rinny Singh, on behalf of Ross Fowler at Bank of America, asked which affordability-focused bills from the recent legislative session have the most traction. She also inquired about the potential for incremental generation from nuclear fleet upgrades beyond the announced Salem project.

Answer

Chair, President & CEO Ralph LaRossa noted that with the legislative session closed, the focus is on finding comprehensive solutions for customers rather than specific bills. He confirmed that engineering for nuclear upgrades is progressing, with the Hope Creek unit being prepared for a 24-month fuel cycle this fall and more details on Salem upgrades expected by year-end.