DEPLOYMENT GUIDE / 03
Understand the commitment
behind the capacity.
A deployment’s commercial picture includes what you pay upfront, what you commit to over time, and what each party will deliver.
LOOK BEYOND THE HEADLINE RATE
One opportunity.
Several commitments.
Land, power, and shell describe a starting point. The agreement defines the delivery.
Clarify the property rights, infrastructure scope, utility arrangements, and operating responsibilities. Compare proposals against the same usable capacity and requirements.
Request a commercial reviewTHE COST PICTURE
Upfront infrastructure
Non-recurring charges may fund a defined build-out, installation, or customization. Establish the scope, payment timing, and any refund or credit provisions.
Recurring capacity
Understand what the contracted capacity or premises fee includes, how it changes over time, and when the commitment begins.
Energy & operations
Distinguish reserved power in kW from consumed energy in kWh. Confirm metering, included services, and any additional charges.
Delivery & change
Identify who funds additional work and what happens when requirements, timing, or capacity change.
NON-RECURRING CHARGES, EXPLAINED
What does an NRC secure?
An NRC is a non-recurring charge. For substantial infrastructure projects, it can represent a significant upfront commitment. The label alone does not tell you what is included.
What might it cover?
Depending on the agreement, an NRC may cover engineering, procurement, construction, installation, or customer-specific changes. Ask for a defined scope and its exclusions.
Why can it be a multimillion-dollar commitment?
At a substantial site, the agreed work may involve significant electrical, mechanical, or property improvements. The amount needs to be evaluated against the actual scope and delivery obligations; there is no universal price established here.
Does paying for infrastructure mean I own it?
Ownership depends on the agreement. Confirm who owns, maintains, replaces, and has rights to the funded improvements.
Is it refundable or credited against future fees?
An upfront charge, a deposit, and a creditable prepayment can have different treatment. Establish the applicable conditions and timing in the proposal.
What if the delivery schedule changes?
Review payment milestones, readiness conditions, and the consequences of delays or termination with your advisors. Those provisions are specific to the agreement.
Public example: Digi Power X / Cerebras agreement, May 4, 2026, includes construction NRCs. Pricing is redacted; this is not a market benchmark.
COMMERCIAL & DEPLOYMENT READINESS
Bring clarity to
your next decision.
Start a scoped conversation about your requirements, a site opportunity, or a proposal you are evaluating.
This guide provides general education. Site-specific technical, legal, tax, and financing questions require the appropriate professional review. Services and responsibilities are defined for each engagement.
LET’S BUILD THE CONNECTION