The article says electric utilities are under intense pressure because the grid has to handle multiple changes at once: rapid electrification (especially EVs), fast-growing power demand from data centers, more distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar and batteries, and more frequent extreme weather. The author argues that traditional, “siloed” planning—where generation, transmission, and distribution are planned separately and updated slowly—can’t keep up with these faster, more uncertain dynamics.

Its proposed answer is Integrated Grid Planning (IGP): planning tools and methods that model the whole system together so utilities can test scenarios (high vs. low demand futures), compare traditional grid upgrades against “non-wires alternatives,” and prioritize spending based on quantified risk and value. The piece claims IGP helps utilities move from reactive to proactive decisions by using analytics and rapid re-forecasting (e.g., shifting crews and capital quickly after weather changes), while also improving confidence for regulators and stakeholders through more transparent, data-driven investment plans.

Source: https://www.tdworld.com/distributed-energy-resources/blog/55342901/the-pressure-is-on-electrical-utilities-to-prepare-for-the-grid-of-tomorrow