Dr. Jonathan Koomey will open the Ohio Manufacturers’ Energy Conference on Aug. 27 with a closer look at the assumptions driving forecasts of explosive data center electricity demand.

Koomey is best known for Koomey’s Law, which found that the energy efficiency of computing historically doubled about every 18 months. That matters because forecasts built on today’s technology can badly overstate tomorrow’s electricity needs.

His keynote will examine how efficiency, technological change and uncertain demand should be reflected in data center load forecasts before speculative projections drive billions of dollars in grid spending and land on customer bills.

“Koomey’s research is a powerful reminder that tomorrow’s energy demand cannot be projected using today’s technology,” said Lindsey Short, managing director of advocacy and energy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Before speculative forecasts trigger billions in grid spending, regulators need to test the assumptions, account for efficiency gains and make sure customers are not paying for demand that may never materialize.”

Only two weeks remain to register for the Aug. 27 conference. 8/7/2026