Market Intel Exchange – Energy-On-Demand Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

ACEC launched its inaugural “Market Intel Exchange,” a quarterly, recorded roundtable for senior executives and business developers to share market trends and client impacts. The first session (Feb. 19, 2026) focused on the energy market and was moderated by Don Draykin (Terracon), with ACEC’s Diana O’Leary hosting and Nando Gomez available for policy questions. Participants discussed poll results showing top near-term drivers led by AI/data center power needs, followed by regulatory/policy shifts, grid modernization, and workforce/supply-chain constraints.<br /><br />Attendees highlighted uncertainty from federal policy changes (e.g., potential WOTUS updates and reduced IRA benefits) and noted that while some private renewables work is slowing, public-sector support and local ordinance work remain active. A major theme was the rapid growth of data centers and the resulting stress on power, transmission, water supply, and permitting—especially in rural locations lacking infrastructure. Permitting reform was discussed, with ACEC noting bipartisan Senate conversations and potential attachment to larger legislation.<br /><br />Looking 3–5 years ahead, discussion centered on nuclear (especially small modular reactors) and energy storage, driven by speed-to-power needs and major investments. Transmission expansion, public opposition, and utility regulatory constraints were also emphasized. The group was invited to complete a feedback survey, join the online community, and attend the next in-person exchange in Washington, DC (May 4) focused on data centers.

Keywords

ACEC Market Intel Exchange

energy market trends

AI data centers power demand

grid modernization

federal regulatory policy shifts

WOTUS updates

Inflation Reduction Act benefits

permitting reform

small modular nuclear reactors