Key Considerations for Working with Data Centers

Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 01:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM PT [Prevailing Time]
Presenters: Paul Matthys, President and CEO, Cass County Electric Cooperative, Bill Miller, CPA, Utility Tax Partner, Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss, LLP, Chris Whittle, Energy and Data Analyst, CFC
Moderator:
Learning Objectives:
- Understand strategies for engaging large‑load members.
- Improve communication and role clarity within teams.
- Explore policies and capital credit approaches for data centers.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
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

Join CFC industry leaders for a discussion about their experiences working with data centers, the fastest‑growing consumer segment today. This webinar will explore strategies to improve communication and transparency with both internal teams and members, define clear roles and responsibilities, and examine new policies and capital credit structures designed for large‑load members.

Presenter and Moderator Bios

Presenter: Paul Matthys, President and CEO, Cass County Electric Cooperative

Paul Matthys is president and CEO of Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC). He began his career in the electric industry after earning a degree in electrical technology from the North Dakota State College of Science. Following several years working with electrical contractors and obtaining his journeyman electrician’s license, he joined CCEC as a journeyman electrician. Over the course of his tenure, he advanced through roles including energy management specialist, key account executive and vice president of member and energy services. In April 2024, he was selected to lead the cooperative as president and CEO. Matthys brings hands‑on technical expertise and extensive leadership experience to his role, guiding the cooperative’s strategic and operational priorities.

Presenter: Bill Miller, CPA, Utility Tax Partner, Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss, LLP

Bill Miller, CPA is a partner with the accounting firm of Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss in Lubbock, Texas. He began his career with the firm in 1992 and holds a degree in accounting from the University of Texas in Austin. Bill is in charge of the firm's utility and cooperative tax practice, providing tax and consulting services to exempt and non-exempt utility cooperatives, including related subsidiaries. Traditional responsibilities include tax research, tax planning, recommending entity types for new business ventures, and oversight of tax return preparation. Cooperative-specific responsibilities include compliance with co-op principles and plans to allocate and redeem patronage capital. In addition to working with the firm's audit clients, Bill has consulted with trade associations in providing guidance on tax and equity issues pertaining to the electric cooperative industry. Past guidance includes consulting with the Capital Credits Task Force and also providing technical assistance on a national level regarding the tax impact of proposed legislation onelectric cooperatives. Bill is active in the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives. He has served as a past National President and a National Director representing the Electric Cooperative Chapter. Bill is a recipient of the Silver Bowl Award, NSAC's highest honor. Bill and his wife Kim, along with their two children, reside in Lubbock, Texas.

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.