As AI and data centers expand, their massive energy demands are reshaping how we think about infrastructure, electric transmission, and community impact. Join industry and policy experts to explore how New York needs to be prepared. Topics will include grid modernization, strategic planning, workforce, permitting, and how these efforts connect with community priorities.

New York Transco, the Regional Plan Association (RPA) and the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University are partnering to host a panel discussion that will explore Artificial Intelligence (AI) and New York’s energy future.

The panel will feature opening remarks from Lawrence Levy, Executive Dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University and will be moderated by Rob Freudenberg, Vice President for Energy and Environment at RPA.

Additional panelists include:

• Paul Haering, Vice President Capital Investment, New York Transco
• Vanessa Baird-Streeter, President and CEO, Health & Welfare Council of Long Island
• Matt Cohen, President and CEO, Long Island Association (LIA)
• Ashira Ostrow, Peter S. Kalikow Distinguished Professor in Real Estate and Land Use Law; Executive Director of the Breslin Center for Real Estate at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University

At the beginning of November, nearly 75 individuals from government, academia, the business community, labor leaders, and industry and policy experts gathered at Hofstra University for a timely panel discussion on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rise of data centers are reshaping New York’s energy landscape.

The event, From Data to Demand: AI’s Impact on Energy & Communities, was hosted by New York Transco, Regional Plan Association (RPA), and Hofstra’s National Center for Suburban Studies.

The Challenge Ahead

AI’s impact touches almost every industry and facet of our economy—but keeping up with this transformation requires a significant amount of power. As data centers continue to be proposed across the state, they bring opportunities for growth along with several challenges for communities, especially on Long Island.

Key Themes from the Discussion

• Grid Reliability & Infrastructure: According to a recent report from the state grid operator, Long Island could face power reliability issues as soon as 2027 due in part to rising demand and aging, constrained infrastructure. Investments in both generation and transmission are needed and more would be required to accommodate the power-reliant data centers on Long Island.
• Permitting & Planning: Building large-scale infrastructure, whether it is a data center, new generation facility, or transmission lines, requires navigating complex local, county, and state approvals, with public participation during every phase.
• Community Engagement: Early, meaningful dialogue with residents and community organizations is essential to overcoming NIMBY concerns and fostering trust. Building a strong coalition that transcends different industries, interests and communities has advanced big projects across the finish line.
• Economic Opportunity: AI-driven development could create jobs and strengthen Long Island’s position as a hub for innovation, if stakeholders act strategically with a balanced approach.

What the Panelist Had to Say

“The AI revolution is here, and that has profound impacts on all of us. If we look at AI, we have to look at the data centers that are doing all the work to support AIit. To do what they do, they requires resources, including a tremendous amount of energy. As these facilities begin to appear in our communities, it’s essential to consider their full range of impacts—both the opportunities they bring and the challenges they present.”

— Rob Freudenberg, VP for Energy & Environment, RPA

“Long Island is truly an electrical island, with only two bulk transmission connections to the broader statewide grid. One of the challenges when looking at data centers and the high demand they bring, is the reliability concern – as highlighted in a recent study by the NYISO, Long Island is already facing these challenges. Connecting data centers to the grid will not be possible without added generation and transmission.”

— Paul Haering, VP, Capital Investment, New York Transco

“To ensure successful siting of AI data centers, we must prioritize early and meaningful community engagement. While most people now interact with AI daily and recognize the growing need for supporting infrastructure, Long Island presents unique challenges due to prevalent NIMBYism. It’s essential that all stakeholders are actively involved from the outset — and that includes the community, which must be treated as a central stakeholder. Open dialogue and inclusive decision-making are critical to building trust and fostering support for these projects.”

— Vanessa Baird-Streeter, President & CEO, Health & Welfare Council of Long Island

“From unlocking the code of DNA to developing the lunar module and many more pioneering triumphs, Long Island has always been at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs and new technologies. The national leaders who turn the challenges posed by artificial intelligence into economic development opportunities will reap the benefits; creating new jobs while expanding the operational efficiencies and improving the bottom line of companies from a diverse cross section of industries, particularly our small business community. With world-renowned academic and research institutions, a highly-talented workforce, and a culture and history of innovation, we have the tools and resources to invest in AI and help our region prosper from its massive potential for good.”

— Matt Cohen, President & CEO, Long Island Association

“The permitting process on Long Island is multi-faceted. To build here, developers must navigate a range of approvals at the local, county, and state levels. Locally, it begins with identifying a parcel zoned for a data center, utility, or heavy industrial use. At the county level, planning boards play a key role, followed by additional requirements at the state level. The permitting process allows for public participation at multiple levels, and the local community might ask, what is in it for us.”

— Ashira Ostrow, Distinguished Professor in Real Estate and Land Use Law, and Executive Director, Breslin Center for Real Estate at Hofstra Law School

What’s Next

AI is not going away, and the insights shared during this panel highlight a path forward that focuses on collaboration, investment, and innovation. Meeting the energy demands of today and tomorrow will require infrastructure planning, community partnerships, and a commitment to sustainable growth. Working together, New York can turn these challenges into opportunities—building a stronger grid, creating jobs, and ensuring our communities thrive in the age of AI.