AI, Data Centres and the Impact on Alberta’s Electricity Grid
Alumni All-Access | Oct. 17 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
With an increase in the demand for and use of artificial intelligence, and the construction of new data centres in the province, Alberta's electricity demand is increasing. How might this increase challenge grid reliability and energy security for you and your neighbours?
At this Saturday Morning at the Law School workshop, you'll learn about infrastructure, markets, consumer expense, environmental and regulatory challenges that arise from adding more data centres to the province. You'll gain insight into how the Alberta Government, the power system industry, planners and regulators are responding and what the increased reliance on AI means for future grid reliability.
You'll also learn about emerging opportunities and risks for industry, consumers and other stakeholders, because the growth of AI isn’t just about technology: it's a pressing energy and regulatory issue that will shape Alberta’s grid future.
About the Speakers
Dr. Blake Shaffer, PhD’18
Dr. Blake Shaffer is an associate professor of economics at UCalgary, where he researches electricity markets, climate policy and energy transitions. Using empirical methods, he evaluates policy effectiveness and consumer behaviour to inform better decision making. Before academia, he spent 15 years in energy trading. His work has appeared in leading journals and media, and he advises governments on energy and environmental policy.
Dr. Sara Hastings-Simon, PhD
Dr. Sara Hastings-Simon is an associate professor at UCalgary in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and an assistant professor in the School of Public Policy. Her research focuses on low-carbon energy transitions at the intersection of technology, business and policy. She is co-founder of the podcast Energy vs. Climate, and serves on several boards, including the Pembina Institute and Emissions Reduction Alberta.
David Wright
David Wright is an associate professor at UCalgary’s Faculty of Law whose teaching and research focus on natural resources and environmental, energy, Indigenous and Aboriginal law, as well as negotiations and sustainable development. His work examines the gap between legal objectives and real-world outcomes, with research on net-zero infrastructure, impact assessment and Indigenous participation in regulatory processes. He has also held legal, policy and international development roles in Canada and abroad.
Allan Ingelson, BSc’83, JD’90
Professor Allan Ingelson is the executive director of the Canadian Institute of Resources Law at UCalgary and the editor of the Canada Energy Law Service. Professor Ingelson’s regulation focuses on energy regulation and he teaches electricity regulation at UCalgary.
Murray Fraser Hall is located on UCalgary’s Main Campus at 2800 University Way N.W. (see map). Learn more about getting to and parking on campus.
Alumni programs are made possible through the generous support of UCalgary Alumni Association Partners TD Insurance and Manulife.