A fresh FT survey finds electrification climbing the corporate agenda after the recent energy crisis exposed vulnerabilities in legacy power grids. Security worries, operational risk and soaring electricity bills drove 68% of respondents to prioritize a shift toward cleaner, more resilient energy sources. The poll, covering 1,200 senior executives across Europe and North America, signals a decisive move away from fossil‑fuel dependence.

The surge follows years of volatile gas supplies and price spikes that forced manufacturers to run backup generators at premium rates. Analysts note that retrofitting plants with electric equipment can raise capital expenditures by 10‑15%, but the long‑term savings on fuel, carbon taxes and regulatory compliance make the case compelling. Companies are now mapping full‑site electrification roadmaps to lock in supply certainty.

Investors are already reallocating funds toward firms that supply industrial‑grade chargers, smart‑grid software and battery storage, sectors that could see a combined $45 billion uplift in capex through 2027. Utility regulators are tightening reliability standards, accelerating approvals for grid‑modernisation projects. The survey makes clear that corporate demand will drive a sustained build‑out, reshaping energy‑related market dynamics this year across multiple regions.