U.S. electricity demand is accelerating — driven by AI, hyperscale data centers, industrial growth, transportation electrification and changing consumer needs. But can the grid expand fast enough to keep pace?

In this T&D World Live episode, Editorial Director Nikki Chandler talks with Bridget Bartol, Executive Director for Grid, Industry & Regulatory for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), about the organization's Grid Reliability Study, which projects a 55% increase in electricity demand by 2050. They discuss why the challenge isn't simply about generating more power, but also about moving existing generation to where it is needed.

The conversation covers grid-enhancing technologies, advanced transmission, reconductoring, dynamic line ratings, demand response, storage, vehicle-to-grid technologies, data center interconnection, supply chains, permitting reform and the growing workforce gap.

Bartol also shares NEMA's priorities for policymakers and offers an optimistic view of what the U.S. grid could look like if the industry accelerates investment, innovation and workforce development.