For over 75 years T&D World has accompanied utilities on their journey as they adapt to and address the complex-ever-changing issues and trend that arise in the world of energy transmission and distribution.
T&D World Live provides a fresh alternative to hear from and connect with other utilities to gain knowledge and insights into the challenging, yet exciting future of energy transformation.
The T&D World Live conference advisory board, composed of industry experts, most of whom work for utilities, met to discuss the upcoming conference and brainstorm content ideas. During the meeting, board members delved into what they believe are some of the most important industry topics of 2025. Here are some of those topics:
Grid Modernization
Grid modernization focuses on upgrading aging infrastructure to improve reliability, resilience, and efficiency. It incorporates advanced technologies like sensors, automation, and digital tools to manage the grid dynamically. This focus area emphasizes innovative solutions to meet growing energy demands while ensuring grid stability.
Topics Include:
- Advanced Distribution Management Systems
- Leveraging IoT for Smarter Grid Monitoring and Control
- Strategies for Implementing Resilient Microgrids
Energy Transition and Decarbonization
This focus area explores the shift toward cleaner, renewable energy sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It addresses the integration of wind, solar, and other renewables into the grid and the policies driving the decarbonization journey. Utility professionals will learn strategies to balance sustainability goals with operational needs.
Topics Include:
- Achieving Net-Zero: Utility Strategies and Success Stories
- The Role of Hydrogen in Future Energy Systems
- Managing the Intermittency of Renewable Energy
Cybersecurity and Grid Protection
As utilities embrace digital transformation, cybersecurity becomes critical to protect against evolving threats. This focus area examines best practices for securing operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems. It also includes strategies for incident response and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Topics Include:
- Building a Resilient Cybersecurity Framework for Utilities
- Threat Detection and Mitigation in OT Environments
- Regulatory Compliance
Workforce Development and Training
This focus area addresses the growing need for skilled workers in a rapidly evolving utility landscape. It covers strategies for workforce training, knowledge transfer, and fostering diversity and inclusion. Attendees will gain insights into preparing their teams for the future of the industry.
Topics Include:
- Training the Next Generation of Utility Workers
- Succession Planning
- Diversity and Inclusion in the Modern Utility Workforce
Supply Chain and Materials Management
Supply chain challenges are a growing concern for utilities as they navigate disruptions and material shortages. This focus area explores innovative approaches to inventory management, logistics, and sourcing critical components. Attendees will learn how to build more resilient supply chains to support utility operations.
Topics Include:
- Mitigating Supply Chain Risks in Utility Projects
- Strategies for Sourcing Critical Materials Amid Disruptions
- Innovations in Inventory and Logistics Optimization
Customer Engagement and Experience
Modern utilities must prioritize customer-centric strategies to enhance satisfaction and engagement. This focus area highlights tools and techniques for better communication, demand response, and educating customers about energy programs. It also explores equity and affordability in energy delivery.
Topics Include:
- Tools and Resources to Improve Customer Experience
- Educating Customers on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
- Bridging the Energy Access Gap
Regulatory, Policy, and Compliance
Utilities operate in a highly regulated environment, and staying ahead of changing policies is crucial. This focus area covers regulatory trends, compliance strategies, and collaboration between utilities and stakeholders. Attendees will learn how to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
Topics Include:
- Impact of Federal and State Policies on Utilities
- Collaboration Between Utilities and Regulators for Policy Development
- Strategies for Effective Regulatory Compliance
Grid Resiliency & Black Sky Hazards
With increasing weather extremes, utilities must be ready to respond to emergencies efficiently. This focus area addresses strategies for storm preparedness, rapid restoration, and cross-industry collaboration. Sessions will share lessons learned and innovative tools for disaster management.
Topics Include:
- Enhancing Storm Response with Advanced Technologies
- Building Resilience Against Extreme Weather Events
- Lessons Learned from Recent Utility Emergency Responses
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Sustainability is a growing priority for utilities as they aim to reduce their environmental impact. This focus area explores sustainable practices in energy storage, biodiversity conservation, and water-energy nexus projects. Sessions will provide actionable insights for utilities committed to environmental stewardship.
Topics Include:
- Sustainable Energy Storage Solutions for Utilities
- Balancing Infrastructure Development with Biodiversity Conservation
- The Water-Energy Nexus - Integrating Utility Planning
Innovations in Transmission and Distribution
This focus area highlights cutting-edge advancements in transmission and distribution systems. It includes topics like grid capacity optimization, dynamic line rating, and innovative approaches to infrastructure upgrades. Utility professionals will learn how to implement these innovations to improve efficiency and reliability.
Topics Include:
- Maximizing Grid Capacity
- Innovations in Underground and Overhead Line Strategies
- Advanced Technologies for Efficient T&D Operations
AI and Digital Transformation
AI and digital tools are revolutionizing the utility industry by enabling predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. This focus area highlights how utilities can adopt AI, digital twins, and advanced analytics to optimize processes. It also covers real-world use cases for these technologies to drive innovation.
Topics Include:
- The Role of DER Integration in a Decarbonized Energy Future
- Bridging the Physical and Digital Utility Worlds
- Data Analytics for Smarter Energy Management
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) presents opportunities and challenges for utilities. This focus area focuses on the integration of EVs into the grid, the development of charging infrastructure, and planning for widespread EV adoption. Attendees will gain insights into managing this transformation effectively.
Topics Include:
- Preparing the Grid for Widespread EV Adoption
- Innovations in Public and Residential EV Charging Solutions
- Utility Partnerships for Scaling EV Infrastructure
About the Author
Christina Marsh
Senior Editor
Christina Marsh is senior editor of T&D World at Endeavor Business Media (EBM), responsible for managing, editing, and contributing to the print issue production in addition to e-newsletters and digital content including podcasts. Previously, Christina was editor of Airport Business at EBM where she was responsible for contributing editorial support for the magazine, writing and compiling e-newsletters as well as contributing to digital content including producing video and podcasts. Before working with EBM, Christina was a multimedia journalist and podcast producer at The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). She graduated with a B.S. in journalism from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.