“Across North America and globally, grids are facing sustained demand growth, tighter capacity margins, rising costs, and more extreme weather. Utilities do not have the luxury of time or the ability to rely on the status quo.”

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amount of time over the past year engaging with leaders who are embracing new ways of thinking, not bound by outdated business models or legacy systems, to design and implement solutions to key challenges and to capitalize on emerging opportunities in this dynamic environment.”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

The United States Energy Association's forum convened CEOs from leading energy trade associations and set the energy agenda for the year ahead.

“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.”