The i3 Energy Architecture Framework

A structured framework for moving infrastructure planning from reactive to integrated and interoperable.

Energy and infrastructure planning has spent decades reacting—responding to constraints after they appear.




The i3 Energy Architecture is a planning framework that brings utilities, owners, and operators into a shared process—allowing them to evaluate options earlier, align decisions, and move forward with confidence.

  • January 28, 2026

  • January 28, 2026

  • Middletown Data Center | Virginia

The i3 Framework

i3 is a structured planning framework designed to guide infrastructure and energy decisions through a disciplined, step-by-step process. Each stage builds on the last—connecting insight, analysis, and execution into a cohesive planning approach.

Establish Shared Understanding

The framework begins by establishing a clear baseline—site characteristics, load requirements, infrastructure constraints, utility context, and regulatory considerations. Intelligence creates a common foundation for informed decision-making.

Evaluate Options and Impacts

With a shared baseline in place, the framework supports capacity modeling, power simulations, distributed resource evaluation, and IDRP alignment—allowing stakeholders to assess scenarios and compare pathways before decisions are locked in.

Evaluate Options and Impacts

With a shared baseline in place, the framework supports capacity modeling, power simulations, distributed resource evaluation, and IDRP alignment—allowing stakeholders to assess scenarios and compare pathways before decisions are locked in.

Plan for Long-Term Flexibility

The framework then addresses long-term operational readiness—supporting flexible interconnections, program participation, commercial alignment, and evolving load requirements over time.

Planning has spent decades reacting.

The i3 framework allows infrastructure decisions to lead.

Why the i3 Framework

Modern infrastructure decisions are often fragmented across organizations, timelines, and data sources. Utilities, developers, and operators frequently plan in isolation—creating late-stage constraints, misaligned investments, and unnecessary risk.

The i3 Energy Architecture framework exists to provide a shared planning structure—one that aligns stakeholders early, connects data across disciplines, and supports better decisions before capital is committed.

Engage the i3 Framework

Owners & Developers

Use the framework to plan sites, evaluate capacity, and define long-term power strategies with visibility into constraints, options, and future flexibility.

Utilities

Apply the framework to engage earlier, evaluate system impacts, and align planning and programs with real-world load profiles.

Operators & Tenants

Leverage the framework to understand participation options, incentives, and operational implications before making irreversible commitments.

Who the i3 Framework Is For

Plan & Evaluate

Apply the framework to infrastructure and energy planning decisions.

Includes:

  • Site selection

  • Capacity planning

  • Power simulations

  • Flexible interconnections

Programs & Participation

Use the framework to evaluate operational programs and participation options.

Includes:

  • DERM enrollment

  • Utility programs

  • Incentives and savings

  • Operational alignment

Ecosystem & Certification

Participate in the framework as a certified partner or collaborator.

Includes:

  • i3 Certified Ecosystem

  • Joint GTM

  • Shared planning resources

  • Partner materials

The i3 Energy Architecture is a framework—not a product or platform—designed to align infrastructure decisions across stakeholders.

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