Demand for electricity is expected to rise almost 5% over the next five years, an 80% increase from projections made just two years ago, thanks largely to the proliferation of data centers and growing transportation and manufacturing electrification. As demand for its product spikes, electric utilities must also contend with escalating challenges to providing reliable electricity, including extreme weather, load growth, renewables, and DER integration.

A common solution is efficient and rapid grid upgrades, but utilities will have unique drivers and obligations when it comes to designing, financing, and completing these grid infrastructure projects. A standardized approach that is intentionally designed to leverage best practices mitigates risks and maximizes cost and time efficiency. This playbook examines the value of engaging EPCs and other stakeholders early in a project and the vital ingredients of a project execution plan, including: 

• Governance
• Monitoring and control
• Risk management
• Project turnover

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