Building the Grid of the Future

The U.S. energy landscape is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades. Rising electricity demand is reshaping how communities, utilities, and developers plan for critical infrastructure. According to an ICF analysis published in June 2025, U.S. electricity consumption is projected to grow 25% by 2030 and 78% by 2050 compared to 2023 levels. Peak demand is also expected to climb sharply, 14% higher by 2030 and 54% higher by mid-century.

As demand accelerates, utilities, regulators, and developers are working together to expand and modernize the grid, and ORC is helping lead the way.

Key Demand Drivers

Several forces are fueling this unprecedented surge in demand:

  • Data centers and artificial intelligence require massive amounts of energy to operate, creating new power needs in concentrated areas.
  • Electrification of transportation and buildings is reshaping demand as electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and heat pumps replace traditional fossil fuel systems.
  • Domestic manufacturing and emerging technologies, such as green hydrogen, are adding even more load to the system.

ORC’s Role in a Changing Market

As energy demand grows, utilities and developers need trusted partners who can deliver complex projects efficiently and reliably. ORC is uniquely positioned to meet this need by combining specialized expertise in land and right-of-way services with a proven track record of success.

Our nationwide reach, deep industry experience, and long-standing partnerships with Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) have built the trust and reliability our clients expect. What sets ORC apart is the ability to scale quickly, navigate regulatory and stakeholder challenges, and support the execution of large-scale projects that advance grid modernization, renewable integration, and transmission expansion.

The Role of Regional Grid Operators

Regional grid operators oversee electricity flow across wide areas of the country, balancing supply and demand, operating competitive power markets, and integrating renewable resources. They play a critical role in shaping the future of energy—and ORC is closely aligned with their priorities to ensure project success.

The map below highlights the geographic coverage of each regional grid operator, underscoring the scale and importance of their work in building the grid of tomorrow.

Building Grid Map

Competitive Transmission Opportunities

FERC Order 1,000 reshaped how transmission projects are awarded by requiring open competition instead of defaulting to incumbents. This change means utilities need partners who can act quickly, scale effectively, and deliver results.

Today, ORC is pursuing a broad portfolio of competitive transmission projects nationwide, working alongside utilities and engineering firms that trust our ability to execute. These projects are not just bids; they are strategic initiatives designed to create long-term growth for our clients and deliver lasting value to the communities we serve.

Looking Ahead

As electricity demand continues to rise, collaboration among utilities, regional grid operators, and trusted partners, like ORC, will be essential to building a stronger, more resilient grid. ORC is committed to advancing the nation’s energy transition by providing the expertise, reliability, and partnerships needed to deliver impactful projects nationwide.

Together, with our clients and partners, we are helping shape the grid of the future.