In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, we bring you a conversation from SED Forum Fall featuring Chris Pennington of Iron Mountain and Brett Thompson of CMC and moderated by Debra Chanil, Editorial & Research Director at Smart Energy Decisions. They explore a major shift underway in energy strategy, moving from a focus on procurement to optimizing how and when energy is used. As renewable generation grows, aligning consumption with clean energy availability is becoming increasingly important. Pennington shares how data centers are integrating on-site storage and hourly matching to enhance flexibility, while Thompson explains how CMC manages electric arc furnace operations and demand response participation to support grid reliability. Together, they highlight the growing need for flexible load strategies, stronger utility partnerships, and forward-looking planning in the ever-changing energy landscape. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

• Why energy strategy is shifting from procurement to optimized usage (03:40)
• Changing grid dynamics and shifting peak pricing periods (07:39)
• Demand response and managing load peaks (14:20)
• Where energy customers should focus next (15:47)
• Policy and regulatory challenges (16:48)
• How data centers are affecting grid capacity and costs (18:18)
• The future of clean energy (20:24)

For full episode show notes, click here. Connect with Chris Pennington

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Chris Pennington is Director of Energy & Sustainability for Iron Mountain Data Centers. His responsibilities include the development of Iron Mountain’s global sustainability program and identification of opportunities to innovate for a more sustainable digital future. He received the Green Power Leader of the Year award in 2021 from the Center for Resource Solutions and championed Iron Mountain’s public commitment to 24/7 carbon free energy that same year. Chris actively participates in the Clean Energy Buyers Association as faculty for their energy buyer support programs, as well as Eurelectric’s 24/7 carbon free energy hub. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions

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