Integrated energy planning: a broader conversation begins

Across North America, energy systems are under pressure to evolve quickly and intelligently. Rising electricity demand, aging infrastructure, emerging technologies, supply chain constraints, and shifting policy landscapes are converging to create a moment of both challenge and opportunity.

In this context, integrated energy planning is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. It is how we ensure our energy systems remain reliable, affordable, and adaptable in the face of rapid change.

Having worked across the energy sector, from regulatory strategy to infrastructure planning, we have seen firsthand how fragmented approaches can limit progress. Hatch helps clients navigate this complexity with a systems-thinking approach that connects technical depth with strategic foresight.

Electrification is accelerating

Electrification is a cornerstone of the energy transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook 2025, electricity demand in the U.S. is projected to grow by over 20% by 2050, driven by shifts in transportation, buildings, and industry. This growth is not just about adding more capacity; it requires a fundamental rethink of how we design, build, and operate our energy systems.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a prime example. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that the global EV stock will reach 145 million by 2030, up from just 10 million in 2020. This surge will significantly increase electricity demand, particularly during peak hours. Utilities must invest in smart charging infrastructure, demand response programs, and grid upgrades to manage this new load effectively.

Data centers and industrial electrification are also reshaping demand profiles. These shifts require not only more power, but smarter, more flexible systems that can respond to dynamic needs.

Natural gas remains a critical part of the mix

While the energy system is evolving, natural gas continues to play a vital role in ensuring reliability, managing peak demand, and supporting industrial competitiveness. The focus now is on how to evolve its role through innovation and cleaner alternatives, while maintaining system resilience.

Hydrogen blending, renewable natural gas (RNG), and carbon capture are all part of the conversation. So is the need for thoughtful, region-specific planning that balances emissions goals with affordability and reliability.

Integration means more than coordination

True integration requires aligning people, processes, systems, and assets. The U.S. Department of Energy emphasizes that integrated distribution system planning (IDSP) is essential to modernizing the grid and enabling the orchestration of technologies like storage, microgrids, and electric vehicles.

This means breaking down silos between departments, between utilities and regulators, and between energy sectors. It also means designing roadmaps that are adaptive, scalable, and digitally enabled.

Local context matters

Every region has its own resource mix, policy environment, and economic drivers. Integrated planning must reflect these differences while enabling broader regional and national objectives.

Whether it is hydro in the Pacific Northwest, solar in the Southwest, or wind in the Midwest, planning must be grounded in local realities and connected to a shared vision for a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

Digital tools are foundational

Distributed energy resources (DERs) are expanding rapidly and reshaping the global energy landscape. According to the IEA, 167 GW of distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems were installed globally between 2019 and 2021, enough to exceed the peak electricity demand of France and the United Kingdom combined.

To fully leverage the value of DERs, utilities must invest in advanced metering, real-time monitoring, and predictive analytics. These tools are essential for managing complexity, enabling flexibility, and building trust with customers and stakeholders.

So what’s next?

At Hatch, we work across the energy value chain, from policy and planning to execution and optimization, to support decisions that are strategic, sustainable, and stakeholder-aligned.

This article is just the beginning. In the coming weeks, I will be tagging colleagues who will explore specific dimensions of integrated energy planning, including regulatory innovation, digital infrastructure readiness, and system-level modeling.

Join the conversation!