Building “Islanded” Power for AI-scale Data Centers: Construction Risks and Practical Protections
AI-scale data centers increasingly rely on behind-the-meter, gas-fired generation to deliver fast, clean, and predictable power during critical compute windows—often in “islanded” configurations that can operate independently of the grid.
This CLE webinar distills the construction risks we see most often and the contractual tools that protect uptime. We will cover delivery model choices (EPC vs. EPC M) and interface discipline across protection, controls, and commissioning; performance guarantees that go beyond nameplate to start/response times and point of common coupling power quality; schedule integrity under utility reviews and long-lead equipment; pragmatic operational technology security baselines aligned with OEM obligations; and rapid change-control protocols that keep crews moving when standards or OEM designs shift.
We will highlight why contract architecture must follow the buyer: Two gas plants, same hardware—totally different contract stack when the customer is the grid in one case and a hyperscaler in the other. Expect contrasts between utility-facing obligations (interconnection, market participation, NERC/utility standards, tariff dependencies) and hyperscaler-facing priorities with practical guidance on aligning EPC scope, O&M, OEM warranties, and performance liquidated damages to each buyer’s risk profile.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
11:00AM – 12:00PM PT
12:00PM – 1:00PM MT
1:00PM – 2:00PM CT
2:00PM – 3:00PM ET
Virtual
Zoom information will be included in the confirmation email you will receive after registering.
CLE Information
This program is pending approval for 1 professional practice/general/law & legal procedure CLE credit in AZ, CA, CO, ID, IL, NY, OR, TX, VA, WA, and WI for both newly admitted and experienced attorneys. In order to receive CLE credit, remote attendees must complete the CLE Form for Building “Islanded” Power for AI-scale Data Centers: Construction Risks and Practical Protections within three (3) business days after the program date.
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Notice
Before proceeding, please note: If you are not a current client of Perkins Coie, please do not include any information in this e-mail that you or someone else considers to be of a confidential or secret nature. Perkins Coie has no duty to keep confidential any of the information you provide. Neither the transmission nor receipt of your information is considered a request for legal advice, securing or retaining a lawyer. An attorney-client relationship with Perkins Coie or any lawyer at Perkins Coie is not established until and unless Perkins Coie agrees to such a relationship as memorialized in a separate writing.