US non-profit the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has launched a new initiative to create a uniform flexibility classification framework for large electric loads, with the aim of expediting time-to-power for data centers.

Flex MOSAIC is being developed through EPRI’s DCFlex initiative in collaboration with more than 65 utilities, system operators, regulators, hyperscalers, and technology providers.

EPRI has said that the voluntary framework will establish a “shared, credible way to define flexibility from large loads - particularly data centers - based on the magnitude, timing, duration, and frequency of their response.”

According to the non-profit, the initiative aims to create a common understanding of how much flexibility a large load can deliver, which in turn has the potential of shortening interconnection timelines, improving grid planning processes, and accelerating time to power while not impacting affordability or reliability.

“As demand from AI and data centers grows at unprecedented speed, flexibility is becoming the third leg of the speed-to-power stool, alongside generation and transmission,” said EPRI president and CEO Arshad Mansoor. “This framework allows everyone — utilities, regulators, and large load developers — to have a common language about flexibility and to trust what that language means. That shared understanding is essential to moving faster while maintaining reliability.”

The framework will seek to define flexibility through several practical performance characteristics, such as how quickly a load can respond, how long the adjustment can last, and how much power can be reduced or shifted.

“Flexibility is critical for fast access to power for data centers,” said Vladimir Troy, vice president of AI Infrastructure at NVIDIA. “By clearly defining flexibility, the Flex MOSAIC framework gives all parties the confidence needed to accelerate deployment and meet the growing needs of AI.”

Initial framework participants include Google, Meta, NVIDIA, Siemens, Constellation Energy, Southern Company, Exelon, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, California ISO, and Arizona Public Service, among others. A full list can be found here.

EPRI launched its DCFlex initiative back in October 2024. The initiative, which includes some of the sector's preeminent players, seeks to explore how data centers can support the electric grid, enable better asset utilization, and support the clean energy transition.