What happens when a data center, a utility, and a substation EPC sit down together? Find out at IEEE PES T&D in Chicago the week of May 4th as Beta Engineering, Salt River Project, and Prime Data Centers talk through what it really takes to power today’s data centers.
Every data center project begins with a conversation—between developers racing to meet digital demand and utilities balancing a growing list of grid upgrades and rising energy needs. Aligning those priorities is complex, especially as data centers require unprecedented speed, scale, and reliability. From site selection to substation design and delivery, each stage tests how effectively both sides can plan and build together. This panel unites Prime Data Centers and Beta Engineering—a substation EPC—to explore how collaboration, early engagement, and innovative delivery models can bridge those challenges. Panelists will examine evolving expectations for reliability, redundancy, and sustainability, and how EPC partners can help streamline delivery amid competing grid priorities. Through real-world insights from both developers and utilities, this session will highlight practical strategies to improve coordination and avoid schedule delays for these critical infrastructure projects that are powering the world’s digital future.
Utility Decision-Makers, Program/Project Development, and Supply Chain/Logistics
Chris Wilson is Director of Innovation / AI at Crest Industries, the parent company for Beta Engineering and a family of businesses specialized in electric power delivery, industrial services, distribution, specialty chemicals, and natural resources. Chris spent 20 years at Beta Engineering in substation engineering and continuous improvement roles and led his teams in implementing innovative 3D modeling, engineering software, and scheduling processes to improve substation project visibility, accuracy, and efficiency. He brings a hands-on understanding of how collaboration, coordination, and technical precision drive project success. His leadership in industry innovation reflects Crest Industries’ and Beta Engineering’s role in bringing utilities and data center developers together to streamline complex interconnections and meet the growing demand for reliable, high-capacity power infrastructure across the U.S.
Brendan Foley is the Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain & Procurement at Prime Data Centers, where he leads strategic sourcing and supply chain strategy to support the company's rapid expansion in hyperscale and purpose-built data centers across the U.S. and Europe. He brings over a decade of experience in the data center industry, having held procurement leadership roles at CoreSite and Equinix. Prior to that, Brendan spent 9 years with Schneider Electric supporting hyperscale customers, honing his expertise in strategic partnerships and supply chain strategy.
Lou Misenhamer is the Manager of Project Management at Salt River Project, where he leads the delivery of complex utility infrastructure initiatives that support system reliability and customer growth. He brings more than 15 years of experience across transmission, substation engineering, and capital project execution, including prior leadership roles in Substation Transmission Engineering at Arizona Public Service and engineering positions with Duke Energy Progress. Since relocating to Phoenix in 2018, Lou has been deeply involved in data center infrastructure development through his work at both APS and SRP. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Arizona and North Carolina.
George Brashear is Executive Vice President at Beta Engineering, leading business development and marketing while guiding clients through early-stage project planning and stakeholder alignment. With three decades of experience in high-voltage EPC projects across utilities, renewables, and industrial markets, George specializes in translating early project vision into executable, grid-ready solutions. His perspective on grid interconnections and large-scale substation delivery brings valuable context to how early engagement, clear stakeholder communication, and design-build innovation can help close the gap between data center demand and utility readiness.
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