This post is part of a series of interviews for our Winter 2025 Ridge & Valley Newsletter. Check out this article for full context and to read our other data center interviews.
Data Centers & Energy Infrastructure
To understand how data center development is shaping local and regional energy systems, we spoke with Preston Knight, Communications Manager at the Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative. Founded in 1936, the Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric utility that maintains over 8,000 miles of electrical lines, serving more than 90,000 member-owners in Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Highland, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren counties, plus Winchester.
Preston Knight
Communications Manager
Shenandoah Valley Electric Co-op
Preston: While SVEC hasn’t yet seen a direct surge in demand from data center build-out, the cooperative remains engaged with local officials regarding new development proposals. As a distribution cooperative, SVEC must provide service to all who request it within their territory. To meet the growing long-term needs of both current members and new, large consumers, we are working closely with our power supply cooperative, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC). The electric cooperatives are exploring all avenues and working with stakeholders. However, the planning and delivery of demand for large loads happen after they become members, not before. SVEC’s long-range planning process does not include projecting these large loads.
Data centers seek locations near transmission infrastructure, and SVEC’s service area includes several such corridors. However, SVEC’s commitment remains anchored to its existing membership. The cooperative’s investments are built around long-term, organic growth plans, not speculative large-load developments. This strategy, combined with a rate structure to protect members from the impacts of new loads, ensures our focus remains on providing safe, reliable service to the community.
