Event Summary
AI data centers are being built at a pace that is reshaping energy planning across the United States.
Technology companies are investing in power generation, pursuing dedicated energy solutions, and driving demand forecasts that extend decades into the future. For natural gas producers, midstream operators, infrastructure developers, and commercial teams, the challenge is understanding how this new demand will affect supply planning, transportation capacity, and long-term commercial relationships.
This session examines how hyperscale data centers and AI-driven power requirements are influencing natural gas demand across the value chain. Participants will explore how technology companies are entering energy markets, how infrastructure investments are responding, and where supply constraints may emerge as power needs continue to grow.
As demand increases, companies are relying more heavily on long-term agreements to secure supply, support infrastructure investments, and manage market uncertainty. The session concludes with a practical examination of the legal and commercial issues emerging from these arrangements, including supply obligations, pricing provisions, force majeure considerations and dispute risks that can arise when market conditions change unexpectedly.
Drawing on recent industry developments and legal experience, participants will gain practical insight into both the market transformation underway, and the contractual challenges companies must anticipate as they position themselves for long-term growth.
Attendees will receive 2 Professional Development Hours (PDH) upon completion.
Who Should Attend
- Natural gas executives evaluating long-term growth and infrastructure strategy
- Midstream and pipeline professionals planning system expansion and capacity investments
- Commercial and business development teams negotiating long-term supply arrangements
- Energy market analysts evaluating AI-driven demand growth and market impacts
- Legal and contract professionals supporting energy infrastructure and supply agreements
- Power generation and technology sector stakeholders assessing future fuel requirements
What You’ll Walk Away With
- Understand how AI and hyperscale data centers are driving new natural gas demand
- Evaluate infrastructure requirements emerging across production, transportation and power generation
- Recognize how technology companies are influencing energy market development
- Assess long-term supply and contracting trends tied to AI-driven growth
- Identify contractual risks associated with rapidly changing demand forecasts
- Evaluate force majeure, pricing and supply obligation considerations in long-term agreements
- Apply market and legal insights to strategic planning and commercial decision-making
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Meet the Instructor
Tom Kruse
Partner, Arnold & Porter
C. Thomas Kruse is a recognized litigator with three decades of experience as lead counsel representing clients in commercial matters in federal and state courts — both in jury and bench trials and in appeals — as well as in high-value, out-of-court arbitrations in national and cross-border disputes. Board-certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Tom excels in representing clients in the energy (oil & gas and alternative sources), engineering, manufacturing, and medical, among other industries. He also represents clients before the ICC Court of Arbitration and in American Arbitration Association disputes. In addition to benefiting from his courtroom and arbitration skills, clients also turn to Tom for assistance in matters with both long- and short-term implications, including advice before disputes arise and litigation avoidance whenever possible.
