By Tracey Dubuque and Jason Minock
The energy market is undergoing a lot of upheaval and rapid change. Every day, new technologies, evolving regulations, and shifting consumer expectations are changing the way projects need to be developed and delivered. For project stakeholders, this means there is more pressure than ever to move quickly, stay flexible, and still meet high standards of transparency and accountability. With development becoming more complex and more nuanced, the ability to pivot and lead with clarity will be crucial through shifts in the market.
As seasoned program management leaders on a team with decades upon decades of experience, we’ve seen the market ebb and flow and take unexpected turns before. However, not every developer is equipped with experienced program managers who know how to anticipate changes, analyze potential effects, and quickly pivot into a more beneficial direction. And that’s exactly where program management can make a difference: as the linchpin that holds together and maintains long-term success.
What’s driving these changes in the market?
The shifts happening across the power and energy industry are reshaping how projects come to life. Here are 10 of the biggest forces creating new demands for developers and utilities today:
1. Soaring electricity demand from AI, data centers, and electrification
Big Tech’s surge in AI deployments is driving electricity demand from about 4% increase in 2023 to an estimated 6–12% by 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This can potentially put a serious strain on power infrastructure. Utilities and developers are rushing to upgrade systems, deploy flexible tech, and strategically site projects to manage the new load.
2. Nuclear resurgence and gas resilience
Nuclear is back on the table in a bipartisan way, but under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) especially, it’s being accelerated as a baseload solution. Gas remains the fallback for reliability. Together, they’re creating different dynamics for developers outside of the old “coal vs renewables” framing.
3. Policy changes and rollbacks
Shifts in subsidies, tariffs, and tax incentives are shaking up project economics, sometimes mid-stream.
4. Political and regulatory turbulence
Regulations at the federal, state, and local levels are shifting more often, creating a turbulent policy environment where projects will need to adjust and move quickly.
5. Grid flexibility and load management
As renewable generation fluctuates, operators are learning to modulate output in order to balance grids more effectively.
6. More complex permitting due to higher expectations
Local approvals can take longer and feel more uncertain due to higher expectations of community engagement and consistent trust-building among stakeholders.
7. Accountability shifting to ROI
Investors, communities, and stakeholders want proof of real returns and job creation, not just sustainability scores. Under the OBBB, the emphasis is on showing value to ratepayers and local economies, making program managers the ones who can translate project impacts into hard numbers.
8. Oil and gas supply fluctuations
Fossil fuels and natural gas availability and access, affected by geopolitical dynamics, impact costs throughout the entire energy sector.
9. Reshaping the idea and location of markets
Ideas like “powershoring” (relocating businesses to places with more cost-effective clean energy) and local flexibility markets are gaining traction.
10. Affordability and reliability as voter-driven priorities
Consumers (and voters) are much more vocal about cost-of-living and reliability. This puts pressure on utilities and developers to deliver projects that don’t just look good on paper, but keep rates stable and power flowing—a very partisan tension point today.
In the midst of these shifts in the market (which can slow momentum, dissolve confidence, and create confusion) is where program management shines.
The power of program management in a shifting market
An effective program management strategy should be centered around one clear goal: to bring structure and consistency to inherently dynamic development cycles. We subscribe to a method that starts with a deep understanding of our client’s unique program needs and extends across every decision and milestone.
From prospecting, feasibility, and siting to due diligence, entitlements, and construction, it’s necessary to look at the full picture and align every decision along the way—not just one piece at a time. Doing so ensures that nothing falls through the cracks. Creating a structured approach with end-to-end ownership creates a single point of accountability for your program, which is a critical factor when speed and efficiency are non-negotiable.
The best kind of project management is relationship management
When we manage programs, we do more than provide a service; we are your advocates. We are reliable advisors, helping you stay focused on your strategic goals. We are an extension of your team, helping you anticipate challenges and coordinate across disciplines.
Because Atwell isn’t structured around profit centers, we aren’t limited by rigid internal structures. Our teams are empowered to work across disciplines and geographies to deliver the right solutions. Something we do well that other program management plans may lack is that we have a true knack for bringing the right people with the right expertise to the table at the right time. We know how to align teams with purpose in order to build trusted relationships that drive long-term success.
A program management team is your partner for what’s now, and what’s next
With the seemingly never-ending shifts in the market, you’ll want a team with a vast range of expertise and technical know-how. But more than that, you’ll need a partner with an established development lifecycle framework and a collaborative, agile culture. We’ve built teams that thrive in ambiguity, forecast future market pressures, and act with precision to keep your program moving forward, no matter how the market evolves. These are qualities that fare well under the pressure of market changes.
The market shifts we listed above are just the beginning; you can expect the energy market to keep changing and evolving. The question isn’t when you will adjust, but how? With a solid program management team in your corner, you’ll be able to transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s momentum.
