America's electric transmission and distribution grid is facing an era of extraordinary demand—driven by data center growth, electrification of mobility and industrial processes, the integration of distributed energy resources, and the push toward a cleaner, more resilient energy mix. Some forecasts project that peak demand could double or even triple by 2050. Meeting that challenge will require massive investment in both financial and human capital. This panel of utility executives digs into the strategies, tradeoffs, and decisions shaping today's multi-billion-dollar, multi-year grid investment programs. The conversation covers new policies for hyperscalers, major T&D expansion plans, trends toward 765kV and HVDC, advanced cables and conductors, DER integration, and the deployment of grid-edge sensors. Attendees will also hear how utilities are navigating supply chain constraints for long-lead equipment, public involvement processes, contracting strategies, project labor agreements, and regulatory pressure—while simultaneously incorporating emerging technologies across every dimension of grid planning and delivery.

Session Takeaways:
- How leading utilities are structuring and executing multi-billion-dollar, multi-year T&D investment programs
- What new policies and interconnection frameworks are emerging for hyperscale data center loads
- How utilities are approaching EHV buildouts, including trends toward 765kV and HVDC infrastructure
-Strategies for managing supply chain constraints on long-lead equipment while maintaining project timelines
- How emerging digital technologies are being applied across planning, design, operations, and maintenance