Green tariffs or utility-scale solar/wind programs Access to carbon-free energy credits Energy storage and microgrid integration (Photo: Adobe Stock / xiaoliangge) Data center operators, in particular, are actively seeking sites with access to clean energy grids — or where private power purchase agreements (PPAs) are feasible. Similarly, manufacturers with sustainability goals are evaluating regions not only for compliance, but for public alignment with their brand commitments. Case Example: Northern Nevada’s Energy Edge Tesla’s Gigafactory outside Reno, Nevada, is often cited as a case study in location strategy based on power alignment. The decision wasn’t just about proximity to California or incentives — it was about tapping into Nevada’s expanding renewable energy infrastructure, open land for solar, and utility cooperation through NV Energy. The state’s blend of affordable land, flexible regulatory climate, and access to renewable energy has since attracted a cluster of battery and EV suppliers — demonstrating how energy strategy creates economic clustering. CRE Considerations: Questions To Ask Early In The Process To ensure that energy factors are fully vetted, CRE executives should integrate the following checkpoints into their location due diligence: What is the available grid capacity at the site and substation level? What are the average and peak commercial/industrial rates in the utility zone? Are renewable energy programs or green tariffs available from local providers? What is the utility’s track record for reliability and response? How long is the interconnection queue, and what upgrades are planned? What state or regional energy policies may affect future pricing or access? Answering these questions may require engagement with engineering consultants, utility liaisons, and economic development teams — but the return on diligence is a site that can power your business forward. The Energy-Informed Location Strategy