2026 Quarterly Industry Update - AI’s Impact on Data Center Demand

Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 01:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM PT [Prevailing Time]
Presenters: Sam Kem, Senior Economic Research Analyst, CFC, Chris Whittle, Energy and Data Analyst, CFC
Moderator:
Learning Objectives:
- AI’s impact on data-center demand.
- Power and grid implications.
- Financing AI capex.
- Economic returns and productivity
- Macro challenges and policy levers.
Field of Study: Economics
Program Level: Basic
CPE Credit: 1 Credit Hour
Delivery Method: Group Internet-based
Prerequisite(s): No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.

Course Description

Today’s cooperative leaders need real-time insights and analysis to interpret the potential impact of industry trends and market activity on their service territories. Join an expert conversation between CFC’s Chris Whittle and Sam Kem, who will kick off our first industry update of 2026 by exploring how the artificial intelligence (AI) build-out is reshaping data centers, electricity use, financing and the broader economy. They will connect technical realities with finance and policy, explaining who pays for the new infrastructure, how returns are expected to look and what systemic risks could emerge.

Presenter and Moderator Bios

Presenter: Sam Kem, Senior Economic Research Analyst, CFC

Sam Kem joined CFC as a senior economic research analyst in February 2022. She is responsible for managing and developing economic research, writing, and presentations for internal and external audiences. Her focuses include monetary policy, economic growth, financial markets, and current economic events. Kem seeks to learn more about CFC’s members in order to develop economic research products tailored for their needs.

Prior to her career at CFC, Kem was an economic and investment research consultant serving clients such as BlackRock, Julius Baer, Capital One, and venture capital firms looking to understand economic landscapes for investment purposes. Kem also previously held positions with Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, the World Bank, and the American Enterprise Institute.

Kem holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and public affairs from American University. She graduated from Columbia University with a master’s degree in international finance and economic policy.

Presenter: Chris Whittle, Energy and Data Analyst, CFC

Chris Whittle joined CFC in November 2021 as an energy industry analyst. Whittle is focused on identifying emerging industry trends to assist cooperatives in maintaining their place as a trusted energy provider. Prior to CFC, Whittle worked as an analyst for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the Office of Energy Policy and Innovation. There, Whittle specialized in the study of international and domestic natural gas markets and assisted in the creation of several natural gas market assessment reports for internal and public use. Whittle has a Bachelor of Science in economics and a Master of Science in applied economics from the University of Maryland, College Park

Cost
Free for NSAC Members / $65.00 for Non-Members

  Online Registration

Delivery System

  • All programs are delivered using the Zoom platform.
  • Confirmations will include log-in instructions.
  • Participants are able to participate using any device with an Internet connect (if the device does not have speakers, the participant can also dial-in) or they can participate with audio only by dialing in.
  • All registrants will receive a link to the CLN’s recording by email within 48 business hours of event’s conclusion.
  • There will be assistance available to help with technical and connectivity issues up to 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation.

Registration

All registration is done on-line and each guest must provide their name and email address to participate. All NSAC members may register for free. Non-members may register for a nominal fee.

Refund Policy

NSAC will not issue refunds for CLNs. If a registrant is unable to participate in the CLN and provides notification to info@nsacoop.org 48 hours prior to the session, a credit will be provided for a future CLN. Alert the NSAC staff member monitoring the CLN if technical difficulties are encountered and technical support will be provided to eliminate problems with future CLNs.

Additional Information

Live participation is required for CPE credit and polling questions must be answered to document your active participation. All registrants will receive an email following the session with links to the slides and/or handouts, and a link to the CLN recording (unless otherwise stated). If you are unable to participate in the live session, you can still watch the recorded session, but you will not be eligible for CPE credits. Those eligible for credits will receive their certificate by email with 7 business days.

For more information regarding NSAC CLNs or administrative policies such as complaint and refund, contact the NSAC Headquarters, 7946 Clyo Road, Suite A, Centerville, OH 45459, 937-222-6707, or info@nsacoop.org.

What is NSAC's Cooperative Learning Network?
The NSAC Cooperative Learning Network is a live, interactive webinar, and you can attend from any location with internet and/or telephone access. NSAC members can attend an unlimited number of CLNs at no charge!

Each Cooperative Learning Network will have one or more speakers who are recognized experts on the topic. CLNs typically include a Q&A session where participants can ask questions live or by chat. No advance preparation or prerequisites are required, unless otherwise stated in the course information. Attendees are able to download copies of the slides and/or handouts and are provided a link to view the recording (unless the description states the session will not be recorded). These tools help continue your learning experience after the session.

CPE Credits
The National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives (NSAC) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor (#103068) of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

Delivery Method: Group-Internet Based.

Why NSAC Cooperative Learning Networks?

Fast.
No wasted time. Get right to the heart of the matter in a course designed to easily fit into your busy schedule.

Convenient.
No travel. No time out of the office. Listen and follow along from the comfort and convenience of your desk, device or conference room.

Easy.
A device with an Internet connection is all you need. If your device does not have sound capabilities, the ability to dial in from a telephone is available.

Ideal for multiple attendees.
Use a speakerphone and projector/monitor and invite as many people as you want to participate - at no extra cost to you.

Affordable.
NSAC Cooperative Learning Networks are free for members and available to non members at a fraction of the cost of travel and attendance fees for other high-priced conferences or seminars.