While Energy Central was on the ground at DTECH 2026 (along with 18K other power professionals), we saw more clearly than ever: The sector isn’t arguing about whether our biggest problems exist anymore. We’re arguing about how fast we can fix them together.
So? Here are the most impactful challenges—and solutions—we heard from experts, industry vets, and innovators across the power ecosystem at DTECH this year.
Define the problem before you buy the shiny thing.
Buzzwords are everywhere, but without a shared definition of the problem, you risk misalignment on the solution. Mike Beehler, National Spokesperson of the Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative, told me about digitization as a standout example of this reality after his session, “Virtual System Protection and Digitization for Substation and Grid Performance.”
On a micro level, pilot projects should start with a problem statement defining terms and outcomes. On a macro level, any collaboration should see stakeholders agree on the foundation of terms and outlooks to ensure everyone is in sync.
Data is like plumbing: Regular maintenance > one-off projects
In our conversation with Locusview, we heard clearly: Putting data collection tools in the hands of the fieldworker represents great progress, but ensuring that all departments of the utility take ownership of data management is what really matters. Translation? Make data maintenance a budget line item, not a checkbox.
AMI isn’t just meters—it’s a strategic asset.
AMI is the dataset everyone wants. The trend has moved toward centralizing AMI data in scalable environments and layering AI-powered analytics on top—not to create flashy dashboards, but to deliver operational decisions.How do you best capitalize? Run AMI projects that tangibly prove ROI: faster outage detection and restoration, theft and loss identification, improved load forecasting, and more precise capital planning.
AI should be judged as a teammate, not a fantasy.
The tone surrounding AI has shifted from panic to pragmatic. Across utilities, regulators, and technology providers, the conversation was less “Will AI take over?” and more “Where does AI meaningfully improve decisions?”For example, during one keynote about powering innovation with AI, the speakers highlighted AI less as a silver bullet and more of a coworker—one that can achieve outcomes if grounded in strong data and clearly defined objectives.
But all AI doesn’t get a free pass.
All that said? Utilities are no longer impressed by technology for technology’s sake. Business cases must come first, and the market does highlight results.
IFS made this clear in our conversations: AI doesn’t earn a seat at the table unless it’s tied to a real operational outcome—reduced downtime, faster execution, or better performance.
DERs = immediate supply, not just variability
DERs are likewise moving from tolerated nodes to desirable assets that can relieve interconnection pressure, at least according to the “DER-pilled” crew we chatted with at DER Task Force’s happy hour.How can utilities take advantage of DERs to help them meet uncertainty on the grid? One path: Map telemetry needs, update interconnection rules, and run site orchestration pilots to show reliability during peak stress.
Data centers force a systems view.
It’s pretty remarkable I got this far in the takeaways without mentioning the phrase “data centers,” but these drivers of load growth are front of mind for all utility executives.What’s new now: Rapid data center load growth appears to be a scale problem rather than a tech one. We heard it during the data centers panel hosted by Energy Central’s own Kinsey Grant Baker: These large loads create interconnection queue bottlenecks and transmission constraints, but there’s undoubtedly optimism that the utility industry has the necessary tools and a long-term gameplan.
Affordability is the question everyone has to answer.
Affordability has been a major topic in the utility sector, and it was brought to DTECH not just from attendees but also from the outside. Several protests from locals fed up with their utility bills circulated outside the conference center.These vocal demonstrators reinforced the idea that every new megawatt, installation, or tool added to the grid ultimately lands on someone’s bill. And that wasn’t lost on those inside the event: Nearly every solution demonstrated and keynote delivered aimed to highlight another incremental contribution towards reducing electricity costs.
The physical grid—poles, wires, and common sense—are still a priority.
It’s easy to get lost in the eye-catching software, but DTECH included reminders that they stack on physical assets also requiring modernization.For example: In our conversation with Southwire, we heard how utilities must coordinate digital and physical upgrade roadmaps rather than just focusing on software or the poles, wires, and assets will be the first parts of the system to fail. Finding the best solutions for the physical grid (and not assuming all equipment is built the same) is fundamental.
Storytelling is the secret infrastructure.
Messaging isn’t just to sell solutions—it’s used to properly communicate with regulators, communities, and stakeholders alike.For example, storytelling to separate the news from the noise took center stage during that aforementioned data centers panel Q&A…and in addressing the emotions felt by the protestors.
Bottom line: DTECH 2026 felt less like hype and more like the beginning of scaling what was once out-there tech—cleaner data, smarter pilots, and alliances that actually deliver. If one theme threaded everything it’s this: We have the tools…now we need the discipline to use them together.