Episode 178 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with Sherrill Crenshaw, Director of Engineering at Bruce Howard Contracting.
Host:
Joshua Feinberg, CEO
DCSMI
Special Guest:
Sherrill Crenshaw, Director of Engineering
Bruce Howard Contracting
Sherrill Crenshaw, Director of Engineering at Bruce Howard Contracting, discussed the evolving challenges in data center development, particularly the difficulty in obtaining utility power. He highlighted the shift in public perception and regulatory approval processes, noting a 180-degree turn in Virginia. Crenshaw shared his 38-year career at Dominion Energy, emphasizing the importance of transmission line approvals and the impact of AI on engineering. He advised students to pursue internships and consider careers in utilities and data centers. Crenshaw also discussed the need for flexible work schedules and the role of AI in improving efficiency and productivity.
Power Isn’t a Given Anymore
In this episode of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast, host Joshua Feinberg sits down with Sherrill Crenshaw, Director of Engineering at Bruce Howard Contracting and former principal engineer at Dominion Energy, to unpack the rapidly evolving intersection of data centers, utilities, and career paths in this sector.
Sherrill begins by challenging one of the biggest assumptions in modern data center development: that utility power will simply be available when and where developers need it. That might have been mostly true five or ten years ago, but today, he explains, both generation capacity and transmission line approvals have become critical bottlenecks.
Even when you can engineer and construct lines, getting the necessary permits and community support is increasingly difficult, especially in regions like Virginia where data center growth has been intense.
Drawing on his 38-year career at Dominion, Sherrill reflects on how the industry evolved from the early days of “perfect power” promises to an environment where utilities are struggling to keep pace with demand; particularly in the wake of generative AI and hyperscale growth.
He shares how data centers shifted from being just another anonymous “project name” on the grid to highly visible, controversial infrastructure that sparks NIMBY opposition, town halls, and political involvement.
The conversation then turns to career development. For students and early-career professionals, Sherrill strongly recommends considering utilities, data centers, and construction as stable, long-term career paths.
He highlights the enduring need for line engineers and other technical roles, even as AI and advanced software tools become more prevalent. Internships, he argues, should be treated as two-way interviews: companies evaluate students, and students should also assess whether the work, culture, and mission fit their long-term goals.
For mid-career professionals feeling burned out or stuck, Sherrill suggests exploring lateral moves within large utilities or shifting to adjacent areas such as data center developers, end users, or engineering firms.
Often, a change of department or vantage point can provide a new beginning without abandoning years of domain expertise. At the same time, he’s candid that smaller firms may offer fewer internal moves, which makes large organizations and major developers particularly attractive for those seeking variety and growth.
Sherrill also dives into the supply chain and logistics realities behind the headlines. He explains how long lead times on transformers, turbines, conductors, and generators can stall billion-dollar projects for months; and how strategic decisions like standardizing materials and ordering in bulk helped his team stay ahead of demand.
The supply chain challenges around gas lines, turbines, and alternate generation options like on-site gas are another illustration of how every project now navigates a shifting set of constraints.
Throughout the episode, Sherrill underscores the importance of continuous learning, staying current with evolving tools like AI-assisted routing and design, and building strong communication skills to work effectively with stakeholders: utilities, developers, regulators, communities, and internal teams alike.
Whether you’re a student eyeing your first role, a mid-career engineer seeking a reset, or a developer trying to understand the utility side of the equation, this conversation provides a grounded, real-world look at what it takes to build and power data centers in today’s environment—and where the biggest opportunities and risks
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