As the energy industry moves through 2026, many of the trends that have dominated recent years are entering a new phase. Record load growth is driving unprecedented investment in generation and grid infrastructure, while utilities work to balance affordability, reliability, and resilience amid constrained supply chains, skilled labor shortages, and evolving regulatory expectations. The industry's attention is shifting from planning to execution, making "Takin' Care of Business" an apt theme for this year's Energy Industry Update.

ScottMadden's Summer 2026 Energy Industry Update explores the developments defining this moment, including the widening speed-to-power challenge created by large loads, the resurgence of nuclear power through both advanced technologies and the existing fleet, and the strategic priorities emerging across utility companies as they navigate growth, infrastructure modernization, and customer affordability. As utilities turn ambitious plans into operational reality, these insights offer practical perspective on the opportunities, risks, and execution strategies shaping the industry's next chapter.