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

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.

This webinar will cover:
- AI’s impact on data-center demand.
- Power and grid implications.
- Financing AI capex.
- Economic returns and productivity
- Macro challenges and policy levers.

Presenter 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