How Utilities Are Planning for Demand Podcast Series

As electricity demand surges across the U.S., utilities must seize the moment to plan smarter, move faster and prepare for a more complex future. This three-part podcast series explores how utility leaders are responding to today’s challenges and planning for the grid of tomorrow.

United States | Wednesday, November 12, 2025

From the electrification of transportation to the heating and cooling of data centers, utilities across the U.S. are facing unprecedented pressure to deliver reliable, affordable electricity. “How Utilities Are Planning for Demand” is a three-part podcast series hosted by Utility Dive that explores how utility leaders are navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. Featuring expert perspectives from WSP and POWER Engineers, member of WSP , this series dives into the challenges of historic load growth, the urgency of accelerated timelines and the long-term strategies shaping the grid of tomorrow.

WSP_How Utilities are Planning for Demand_Podcast Graphics_Final_101725 - Episode 1

Part 1: Why Smart Planning is Key to Meeting Historic Demand

The utility sector is undergoing a transformation. In this episode, Doug Jones and Sara Mochrie discuss how smart planning is essential to managing surging electricity demand amid aging infrastructure, workforce challenges and the rise of renewable energy. Listeners will gain insight into the regulatory landscape, the implications of distributed energy resources and how utilities are adapting to a more complex grid.

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WSP_How Utilities are Planning for Demand_Podcast Graphics_Final_101725 - Episode 2

Part 2: The Need for Speed

As new customers like data centers demand large volumes of electricity on accelerated timelines, utilities must find ways to respond quickly. In this episode, Brian McCarthy and Chris Postma discuss how utilities can meet fast-growing demand through innovative solutions such as grid-enhancing technologies, advanced conductors and agile planning approaches. The conversation highlights the tension between traditional infrastructure timelines and the urgency of today’s energy needs.

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WSP_How Utilities are Planning for Demand_Podcast Graphics_Final_101725 - Episode 3

Part 3: Planning the Grid of Tomorrow

Meeting today’s demand is only part of the challenge. Utilities must also prepare for a future shaped by renewables, bidirectional power flows and more frequent extreme weather events. In this forward-looking episode, Craig Connelly and Dan Sullivan discuss long-term planning strategies, transmission expansion and the tools that enable confident investment decisions. The episode emphasizes the importance of building a flexible, future-ready grid.

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