According to new analysis from Grid Strategies the grid is now facing its fastest demand growth since the mid-20th century. In this episode we speak with Sophie Meyer, Director of Power Systems at Grid Strategies, about what’s driving the sudden surge in demand, how utilities and grid operators are struggling to keep up, and what the implications are for reliability, affordability, and long-term planning.

In this episode of T&D World Live, we dig into one of the biggest challenges — and opportunities — facing utilities today: how to modernize the grid while building the broadband connectivity needed to support everything from DERs and automation to resiliency and future-ready operations.

We sit down with Russ Ehrlich from Exelon and Jeff Pittman from Nokia to talk through the entire modernization journey — from early evaluation and business-case development to funding, deployment, and long-term operations. They also share lessons learned from the recent Utility Broadband Alliance Plugfest and offer a forward-looking view on the advanced applications gaining traction as we head into 2026.

We cover where utility broadband fits into grid modernization, how to ask the right questions early on, or what capabilities will define the next decade of utility evolution.

Tune in to hear practical insights, real-world experience, and a thoughtful look at what’s coming next for the industry.

Bob Crossen, Vice President of Content for Endeavor B2B’s Water and Energy Group discusses his first visit to ADIPEC, the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference. While traditionally viewed as an oil and gas event, ADIPEC revealed a much broader focus on power, electricity, digitalization and emerging technologies shaping the global energy landscape.