Overview

• The agreements mark the first time Google will formally target its machine learning workloads to provide demand response for US grid operators.
• Indiana Michigan Power filed a joint contract with Google at the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission on July 30 to combine clean generation and flexible demand into its capacity plan.
• Google will reduce AI data center power consumption when called upon by I&M and the Tennessee Valley Authority to help manage surges and prevent grid strain.
• This move builds on earlier demonstrations with Omaha Public Power District and partnerships with Centrica, Elia and Taiwan Power Company to shift non-urgent compute tasks.
• Experts say data center load flexibility offers a near-term tool to accommodate rapid AI growth, defer new infrastructure investments and advance carbon-free energy goals.