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Behind the Cloud

A video series make the physical infrastructure of the digital economy easier to see and understand. 

8 Episodes

~ 10 - 15 minutes each

About the Series

The Behind the Cloud Video Series provides a Data Centers 101 overview for local decision-makers. The series explains what data centers are, how they affect utilities, why fragmented decision-making can create governance challenges, the economic and legal tools available to local governments, and the policy levers communities can use to shape data center development.

All Episodes

Episode 1

What is a Data Center?

A plain-language introduction to what data centers are, how they operate, and why they matter to local communities.

Infrastructure

Fundamentals

Data Centers 101

Episode 2

Utility Burden

An overview of how large data center loads can affect utility infrastructure, system planning, and local energy demand.

Utilities & Energy

Infrastructure

Grid Planning

Episode 3

Who Pays for the Power? 

A look at how infrastructure costs are allocated, who pays for upgrades, and how those decisions can affect other utility customers.

Cost Allocation

Rates & Tariffs

Utilities & Energy

Episode 4

NDAs, Governance Gaps, and the Limits of Local Authority

An exploration of how confidentiality, fragmented decision-making, can complicate oversight.

Local Authoirty

Transparency

Policy & Governance

Episode 5

Participating in the Utility Regulatory Process

A guide to how local governments can engage with public utility commissions, rate cases, tariffs, and other regulatory proceedings.

Utility Regulation

PUCs

Local Government Engagement

Episode 7

Economic Impact & Evaluating the Deal

A framework for assessing the economic benefits, public costs, incentives, and long-term value of a data center proposal.

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Incentives

Economic Development

Public Value

Episode 6

Local Tools for Managing Data Center Development

An overview of the zoning, land-use, permitting, and other policy tools local governments can use to shape data center development.

Local Policy

Land Use & Zoning

Permitting

Episode 8

What Comes with the Deal

A review of the environmental and community impacts that can accompany data center development, including water, noise, air quality, and infrastructure pressures.

Environment

Water & Air Quality

Community Impacts

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