Strategy & Planning

“Conversations around affordability, reliability, and new technologies can become polarized. But most people want the same things: dependable service, reasonable costs, and systems that support long-term economic growth.”

The women featured here represent the breadth of the modern grid. Their roles span utilities, regulatory commissions, federal public power, trade associations, research institutions, consumer advocacy offices, and technology companies. The perspectives are varied, but several themes recur: translating complexity into clarity, balancing competing priorities, preparing the workforce of the future, and keeping customers at the center of the conversation.

When I realized this issue would land during Women’s History Month, it felt like the right moment to elevate voices that have not always been front and center in this industry.

“I spent a significant amount of time over the past year engaging with leaders who are embracing new ways of thinking, not bound by outdated business models or legacy systems, to design and implement solutions to key challenges and to capitalize on emerging opportunities in this dynamic environment.”

“Utilities face mounting pressure to deliver reliable, resilient, and cost-effective service, while adapting to new technologies and customer expectations. Two EPRI initiatives – the Distribution System Operator (DSO) Certification Program and the Distribution Forum (DxF) – are helping utilities address this challenge.”

“No single institution has all the answers, and no organization operates in isolation. Progress depends on how well we coordinate analysis, share experiences, and translate insight into action.”

“Older communities are facing an economic and public health reckoning. We intend to address, in this first of a series, how water systems can be responsibly valued if seeking sale, merger, acquisition or consolidation.”

“Some hyperscale developers are turning to natural gas-powered on-site generation as a bridge solution, using it to secure predictable, high-capacity power while waiting for long-timeline infrastructure upgrades.”

“A central concern for regulators is that existing cost allocation frameworks are ill-suited for such sudden spikes in capacity needs, creating a risk of unwarranted subsidies from existing customers to data centers.”

“At a high level, SURFA aims to discuss the concepts, industry practices, and application of financial concepts within the energy industry, including rate of return and different forms of cost of capital.”