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Data centers that run AI workloads are among the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand in the United States. In many regions, data center developments are straining grid infrastructure, raising costs for ratepayers, and inciting strong community opposition. The lack of shared metrics, standards, and performance targets creates a critical gap in achieving data center development that balances the interests of data center owners, utilities, and surrounding communities, leaving stakeholders to pursue competing priorities. 

NBI is introducing a Data Center Energy Performance Evaluation Framework (DC-EPEF). The DC-EPEF is not intended to replace existing standards, certification systems, or performance metrics, nor does it create an entirely new set of requirements. Instead, it is designed to build upon and unite the substantial body of work already developed across industry, government, utilities, and standards organizations.  

Data center performance measurement is unlikely to be transformed by a single new metric or standard. Instead, progress will come through the integration of existing tools and the gradual development of additional measures where important gaps exist. By connecting established standards, emerging industry frameworks, and evolving policy objectives, the DC-EPEF provides a practical and adaptable structure for evaluating data center performance more holistically and consistently. It is intended to help policymakers and market actors distinguish facilities that achieve efficiency gains in a single dimension from those that deliver broader benefits across energy, emissions, water, grid reliability, and resource stewardship. 

The DC-EPEF prioritizes metrics that are already familiar to the market, supported by available data, and practical to verify. It leverages existing standards, metrics, and reporting frameworks wherever possible. At the same time, it highlights emerging performance dimensions that may require additional metrics, reporting practices, or performance expectations as technologies and policy priorities evolve. In this way, the DC-EPEF balances continuity with innovation—building on established measures where they are effective while creating a pathway for incorporating new indicators as they mature.