EPRI Launches AI-Power Exchange for Grid Leaders
The invitation-only global platform connects regulators, national labs, and agencies on AI's growing electricity demands.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Data Centers
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EPRI launched the AI-Power Exchange (APEX) on November 3, 2026, an invitation-only global stakeholder engagement platform. It brings together senior leaders from regulatory bodies, national laboratories, universities, government agencies, international organizations, and public-benefit organizations.
Why it matters
AI-driven electricity demand is escalating alongside rapid growth in AI capabilities, and global data centre investment has raised concerns over local electricity systems, prices, emissions, and water use. APEX aims to reduce fragmentation and duplication among the communities working on these challenges.
EPRI, founded in 1972, collaborates with 450 companies across 45 countries on power-sector research. The source does not disclose APEX's technical specifications, data-center load figures, or measurable outcomes from the platform.
The players
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
EPRI is a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization founded in 1972 that conducts energy and electricity research for the power sector.
Arshad Mansoor
Arshad Mansoor serves as President and CEO of EPRI, leading the institute's research and collaboration programs.
Howard Gugel
Howard Gugel is senior vice president of regulatory oversight at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and co-chairs APEX.
Maria Sicilia
Maria Sicilia leads the electricity systems and markets division at the International Energy Agency (IEA) and co-chairs APEX.
The details
APEX facilitates structured dialogue among select representatives from regulatory bodies, national laboratories, universities, government agencies, and public-benefit organizations. Co-chaired by Howard Gugel of NERC and Maria Sicilia of the IEA, it is designed to accelerate the exchange of research and insights on AI and the power system.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: EPRI announces the launch of APEX.
2035: Target year for the international goal of 35% electrification, which the IEA found within reach.
The Tech Race
APEX complements EPRI's DCFlex initiative, which demonstrates how data centers can serve as flexible grid resources. Alongside the Open Power AI (OPAI) Consortium, it extends that work into a coordinated effort to build energy-specific AI tools for the power industry.
For everyday users, APEX itself does not change service or pricing, but its work on grid flexibility could shape how data-center electricity demand affects local power systems. The source does not specify timelines for any resulting policy or infrastructure changes.
The takeaway
Coordinated dialogue among regulators, researchers, and agencies may help manage how rising AI electricity demand affects grids, prices, and emissions. Readers tracking data-center energy use should watch how these stakeholder efforts translate into concrete grid policy.
Further reading
Explore more on the Data Centers beat for context on AI-driven electricity demand.
More information
Visit the APEX platform information page from EPRI for details on the initiative.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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