Ep 26 - What the Utility Industry Is Talking About in 2026 | Voices from the OSR Conference

### **What the Utility Industry Is Talking About in 2026 | Voices from the OSR Conference** What are the biggest challenges, opportunities, and conversations shaping the electric utility industry today? In this special episode of **PowerGridTalks**, host **Thomas Williamson** travels to the **2026 OSR Conference** to speak with linemen, utility leaders, contractors, manufacturers, and industry professionals from across North America. Through a series of candid conversations, you'll hear firsthand perspectives on the future of linework, storm restoration, workforce development, safety culture, leadership, emerging technology, and what it takes to build a stronger, more resilient power grid. Whether you're a journeyman lineman, apprentice, utility executive, contractor, or someone exploring a career in the electrical utility industry, this episode provides a unique snapshot of where the industry is headed—and the people helping shape its future. In this episode you'll hear discussions about: - Electric utility industry trends in 2026 - Storm restoration and emergency response - Utility leadership and company culture - Recruiting and developing the next generation of linemen - Safety, training, and career development - Innovations impacting electric utilities - Lessons from the field and real-world experiences - The future of power delivery and grid reliability PowerGridTalks brings together the voices behind the electric grid, from bucket trucks to boardrooms, to share real stories, practical knowledge, and insights from the people who keep the lights on. (1:35) - Contractor Real Talk (2:33) - Safety With Humanity (3:27) - Drones In The Field (4:52) - Ego And Entitlement (5:37) - Hard Lessons Learned (6:55) - Warning Label Wisdom (11:09) - Pride And Integrity (12:54) - Leadership And Accountability (14:09) - Workforce Qualification Crisis (16:50) - People First Leadership (17:52) - Distribution vs Transmission (18:23) - Safety And Legitimacy (19:26) - Storm Software (21:14) - Passing Down Knowledge (22:05) - Wildest No Show Excuses (22:51) - Compassion And Fatalities (25:40) - Inside The OSR Conference (29:45) - Fundraising And Tough Talks (31:28) - Linemen Personalities 🎧 Visit https://powergridtalks.com for more episodes, articles, and resources for utility professionals. If you enjoy conversations about **linemen, power line work, electric utilities, transmission and distribution, storm restoration, utility leadership, apprenticeships, power grid reliability, and the future of the electrical industry**, be sure to **Like, Subscribe, and Share** to help more utility professionals discover the show. #PowerGridTalks #Lineman #ElectricUtility #UtilityIndustry #StormRestoration #PowerGrid #Transmission #Distribution #UtilityLeadership #Linework #JourneymanLineman #GridReliability #UtilityCareers #ElectricalIndustry