CFC Energy and Data Analyst Chris Whittle takes a closer look at how a shift in federal policy toward reliability and phase-out of key tax incentives is shaping power supply dynamics and what this means for electric cooperatives.

Related content:

• Watch the video of this episode, "What Co-ops Should Know About Changing Power Supply Dynamics"
• Read the Solutions article, "As Load Growth Accelerates, Utilities Tap Private Capital"
• Read the Solutions article, "Power Supply Trends To Watch in 2026: Renewables, Coal"

For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.

CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

SECO Energy CEO Curtis Wynn discusses how innovation in electric cooperatives should be tied to the specific challenges in a co-op’s environment, guided by long-term strategy rather than the status quo.

Watch the video of this episode, "Cooperative Innovation ‘Essential’ in Today’s Environment."

For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.
Learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

CFC Director, Utility Research & Policy Brian Sloboda offers a pragmatic outlook on virtual power plants over the short-term and their implications for electric cooperatives.

Related content:

• Watch the video of this episode, "Virtual Power Plants: Strategic Opportunity, Not Strategic Imperative"
• Read the Solutions article, "Exploring Virtual Power Plants: Key Considerations for Leaders."
• Download CFC's issue brief, "Co-ops See Movement Toward Virtual Power Plants."

For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.

CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

CFC Director of Utility Research & Policy Brian Sloboda looks at how artificial intelligence (AI) use policies can help electric cooperatives get the most benefit from using AI while keeping human beings firmly in control.

Related content:

• Watch the video of this episode, "AI Use Policies Key To Leveraging Its Potential."
• Read the Solutions article, "Turning AI Into Member Value."
• Download CFC's issue brief, "Powering the AI Boom: What Data Center Growth Means for Electric Cooperatives."

For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.

CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

Join CFC researchers Sam Kem and Chris Whittle as they look at the risks of building large-scale, long-duration infrastructure to fuel AI computing power with uncertain future demand.

Mentioned on the show:

• The Data Center Surge: What 2026’s Fastest-Growing Sector Means for Utilities
• Economic & Market Watch: ⁠A Buyer's Market for Credit
• Economic & Market Watch: ⁠Don't Budget for AI Costs to Hold Steady

For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.

Contact the Economic & Market Watch team at economicresearch@nrucfc.coop.
Visit us, download the dashboard and explore other Solutions media on our website, nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

CFC Energy and Data Analyst Chris Whittle explores data center-driven load growth forecasts, market constraints and how electric cooperatives can best position themselves for success.

Related content:

• Watch the CFC Solutions Cast video of this episode, "What Data Center Growth Means for Electric Co-ops."
• Read the CFC Solutions Cooperative News article, "The Data Center Surge: What 2026's Fastest-Growing Sector Means for Utilities."
• Download CFC's issue brief, "Powering the AI Boom: What Data Center Growth Means for Electric Cooperatives."

For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.

CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting the Solutions website under the Energy & Tech page, nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

Join CFC experts John Suter, vice president of economic research, and Jan Ahlen, vice president, utility research and policy, for their takes on the trends our research teams expect will shape 2026.

This episode contains the audio content from our 2026 Industry and Economic Trends Report. If you'd rather watch Jan and John, their commentaries are available as videos in the full report.

• Visit the full Trends Report for more, including videos and PDF transcripts.

For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.

For questions and requests about economic topics, please contact economicresearch@nrucfc.coop.

In this edition of Industry Insights, Chris Whittle explores how surging liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are transforming the U.S. natural gas landscape. With electric cooperatives planning major new gas generation and data centers driving demand, LNG is set to become the largest source of natural gas growth over the next two years. As international demand rises, domestic markets may tighten, leading to higher fuel prices and new challenges for electric cooperatives. Stay informed on this critical industry trend and its impact on energy reliability and costs.