Energy Expert Encourages Data Centers To Connect to the Grid
So-called 'behind-the-meter' power generation had been seen as a potential solution to provide power to data centers fast.
WASHINGTON, April 22, 2026 – As a self proclaimed idealist, Gene Alessandrini, senior vice president of energy and location strategy for CyrusOne, a data center operator, stood in a room of industry representatives to deliver one message: do what's best for everybody.
“We understand our responsibility of becoming a solution driver,” Alessandrini said. “Utilities can't do this by themselves…we're way behind transmission enhancements, We're way behind transmission expansion... the market's not paying for the cost of new [generation] builds. The issue is how do we implement a reliable transmission grid and a reliable electrical system that benefits everybody?”
For Alessandrini, that means data centers need to connect power generation and improvements in transmission technology to the grid, to expand capacity, increase efficiency and drive down prices for rate payers.
