We’re in an Infrastructure Supercycle -Hang on Tight! 

The Need for Speed 

Over the last several weeks, I had the opportunity to attend both IEEE PES T&D and DICE National 2026 — two events that brought together leaders from across utilities, data centers, hyperscalers, EPCs, and critical infrastructure markets. 

What stood out most was how connected all of these industries have become around one common challenge: building power infrastructure fast. 

Whether the conversation centered on AI infrastructure and data center growth, grid modernization, utility resiliency, or industrial electrification, the same themes surfaced repeatedly: power availability, infrastructure speed, supply chain constraints, and execution risk. 

AI is Rewriting the Rules 

One of the clearest takeaways from both conferences was the sheer scale of infrastructure expansion being driven by AI. 

It is no secret that global electricity demand from data centers is expected to more than double by 2030 due largely to AI workloads. Just check out the latest IEA report. 

The competition for power is fierce — hyperscalers, utilities, industrials, transportation systems, oil and gas, and renewables—and everyone wants access to the same constrained power infrastructure ecosystem. 

Time is Money 

At DICE National, conversations around “speed-to-power” dominated nearly every discussion. Developers are focused on securing utility access, accelerating energization, and finding infrastructure partners capable of moving faster. 

Delayed infrastructure deployment will directly impact the bottom line, operational growth, and revenues. 

Grid Resilience Is No Longer Optional 

At IEEE PES T&D, there was also significant focus on grid resilience and modernization with utilities and traditional models in the firing line.  

Today, the focus is turning to active resilience strategies that include hardened transmission systems, advanced substations, microgrids, distributed energy resources, and grid-interactive infrastructure. 

Modernizing that infrastructure will require a combination of standardization, speed, and long-term coordination across the industry.  

We’re Here for the Duration 

My conversations at IEEE and DICE National reinforce how important execution, speed, and partnerships have become across the infrastructure market.  

Customers are looking for more than equipment suppliers; they are looking for partners focused on eliminating bottlenecks and accelerating deployment.  

That’s how PDM has secured hyper-scalers, big data centers, and others as repeat customers.  

We’ll be out at events throughout the year – let’s connect!