The growth in renewables and distributed energy resources (DERs), the endless possibilities of technology; more switched-on and demanding consumers — all have a role to play in reshaping our energy landscape.
But, as the US electricity industry gears up for transformation, where does today’s distribution utility fit in? And, most importantly, what specific steps need to be taken to succeed in the future?
Utilities need to act now to secure a long-term, higher profile role as facilitators of markets, as platform providers for new innovations and as the preferred conduit through which electricity and information flow, both to the customer and back to the grid.
By planning for the future and investing in the new and enhanced capabilities required by a fit-for-purpose and fit-for-the-future distribution system, utilities can become more than trusted service providers. They can become the trusted orchestrators of local power reliability – and they should not delay.
