A Conversation with Energy Transfer's Dylan Bramhall

VettaFi
VettaFiApr 13, 2026

Why It Matters

The projects lock in revenue from booming gas‑powered data‑center demand and diversify crude feed sources, reinforcing Energy Transfer’s growth trajectory and dividend appeal for yield‑focused investors.

Key Takeaways

  • Energy Transfer upsized Hugh Binsen pipeline to 2.2 BCF/day.
  • Desert Southwest pipeline to Arizona will add 2.3 BCF/day capacity.
  • Data center demand drives unprecedented natural‑gas power consumption.
  • New Canadian crude connections expand Bakken feed to Dakota Access.
  • Distribution yields targeted at 7% with 50‑60% cash‑flow payout.

Summary

The video features Energy Transfer CFO Dylan Bramhall discussing the company’s latest natural‑gas pipeline initiatives out of the Permian Basin and their strategic significance.

He detailed the Hugh Binsen pipeline’s upsize to 2.2 BCF/d and the Desert Southwest 48‑inch line to Phoenix, now slated for 2.3 BCF/d, highlighting cost‑effective capacity expansions and back‑haul flexibility. He also noted record natural‑gas demand from data centers and power generators, and outlined new Canadian crude feed projects linking Bakken oil to the Dakota Access system.

Bramhall emphasized that the Desert Southwest upsize adds 50 % capacity for under 20 % of the original $4.7 bn cost, and that data‑center developers are contacting Energy Transfer in 13‑14 states for lateral connections. He also quoted the firm’s 7 % distribution yield and a target payout of 50‑60 % of cash flow.

The announcements signal Energy Transfer’s focus on high‑margin growth capital, leveraging leverage rather than cash flow, and positioning the firm to capture the surge in gas‑powered data‑center load while expanding crude‑oil throughput, which could boost earnings and investor returns.

Original Description

VettaFi sat down with Dylan Bramhall, Chief Financial Officer of Energy Transfer (ET), in April 2026. The discussion covered ET’s growth opportunities related to natural gas, the optionality provided by its Bakken crude pipeline, and the company’s capital allocation priorities.
About Plugged In
Plugged In is a short-form video series from the Energy Infrastructure Council and VettaFi featuring candid one-on-one interviews with energy infrastructure executives.
00:16 - Introduction to the Plugged
00:35 - Natural Gas Projects: Overview of Permian pipeline projects
00:41 - The Hugh Branson Pipeline
01:23 - Phase 2 expansion
02:11 - The Desert Southwest Project
02:40 - Capacity goals
04:02 - Why data centers require the 24/7 reliability of natural gas
04:33 - Expansion into 13–14 states and joint ventures
05:52 - Crude Oil Operations
06:58 - Collaboration with Enbridge
07:41 - Prioritizing "sacrosanct" distributions for investors
08:06 - Yield targets (7%) and distribution growth (3–5% annually)
08:29 - Growth capital budget ($5 to $5.5 billion)
09:18 - M&A Strategy
09:48 - Closing remarks
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