Gene Wolf’s recent article in T&D World, "Why Utilities Are Turning to Advanced Conductors to Solve Grid Bottlenecks", could not have come at a more pivotal moment. As demand for electricity accelerates - driven by hyperscale data centers, electrification, and the onshoring of large manufacturing facilities - utilities face mounting pressure to increase grid capacity. But with new transmission line construction slowed by regulatory hurdles and permitting delays, the spotlight has rightfully turned to an elegantly simple, profoundly impactful solution: reconductoring with Advanced Conductors.
At the forefront of this movement is CTC Global, the undisputed leader in the advanced conductor industry. Their ACCC® Conductor - featuring a high-strength, lightweight carbon fiber core - has become the go-to solution for utilities around the world looking to boost transmission capacity, enhance efficiency, and improve grid resilience without the burdens of building new lines from scratch.
Ingenuity Meets Urgency
The truth is, we don’t have a decade to wait. The transmission bottleneck is real, and it’s already constraining access to clean, affordable power. That’s why the reconductoring strategy that Gene highlights is so essential - and so timely.
CTC Global’s ACCC® Conductor enables utilities to double or even triple line capacity using existing structures, all while reducing line losses and operating temperatures. With over 124,000 miles installed in 68 countries, CTC Global has proven that advanced conductors are not a future concept - they are today’s solution.
Risky Not to Act
Skeptics still question whether reconductoring with advanced conductors introduces risk. But as Gene asks - what’s riskier: embracing proven, modern technology or continuing to rely on 100-year-old infrastructure? Utilities that have already deployed advanced conductors report improved reliability, increased thermal margins, and greater operational flexibility.
The question isn’t “Why advanced conductors?” anymore - it’s “Why not?”
Momentum Is Building
We’re grateful to see this technology gain broader recognition, not just within our industry, but also in the halls of Congress, in bipartisan legislation, and in state regulatory bodies. The recent resolution from the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) acknowledging the importance of advanced conductors is a landmark moment. So is the growing support from media outlets like Forbes, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.
This momentum is possible because of the tireless work of utilities, regulators, innovators, policy makers, and grid champions everywhere who understand that the future of energy requires modern tools and bold decisions.
Gratitude and Leadership
We want to extend our sincere thanks to Gene Wolf for elevating this critical conversation, and to every engineer, planner, and policy advocate helping drive this change. We’re also proud to stand alongside other innovators in this space, including those recognized by BloombergNEF for their efforts.
But make no mistake: CTC Global remains the global standard bearer for advanced conductor technology. With unmatched field experience, proven technology, and a deep bench of engineering and technical support professionals, we’re committed to helping utilities worldwide reconductor with confidence and impact.
The Path Forward
The grid of the future doesn’t need to be built entirely from scratch - it needs to be upgraded, modernized, and optimized. That’s what advanced conductors do best. As Gene so aptly stated, “wire is wire” to the public, but the wires we use today will determine our energy future for decades to come.
Let’s make sure we choose wisely.
To learn more about CTC Global’s ACCC® Conductor and how it’s helping solve real-world grid challenges, visit www.ctcglobal.com.