Future of Utilities - Utilities of the Future: How technological innovations in distributed generation will reshape the electric power sector relates the latest information on the electric power sector its rapid transformation, particularly on the distribution network and customer side. Trends like the rapid rise of self-generation and distributed generation, microgrids, demand response, the dissemination of electric vehicles and zero-net energy buildings that promise to turn many consumers into prosumers are discussed. The book brings together authors from industry and academic backgrounds to present their original, cutting-edge and thought-provoking ideas on the challenges currently faced by electric utilities around the globe, the opportunities they present, and what the future might hold for both traditional players and new entrants to the sector. The book's first part lays out the present scenario, with concepts such as an integrated grid, microgrids, self-generation, customer-centric service, and pricing, while the second part focuses on how innovation, policy, regulation, and pricing models may come together to form a new electrical sector, exploring the reconfiguring of the current institutions, new rates design in light of changes to retail electricity markets and energy efficiency, and the cost and benefits of integration of distributed or intermittent generation, including coupling local renewable energy generation with electric vehicle fleets. The final section projects the future function and role of existing electrical utilities and newcomers to this sector, looking at new pathways for business and pricing models, consumer relations, technology, and innovation. Contains discussions that help readers understand the underlying causes and drivers of change in the electrical sector, and what these changes mean in financial, operational, and regulatory terms Provides thought-provoking ideas on the challenges currently faced by electric utilities around the globe, the opportunities they present, and what the future might hold for both traditional players and new entrants to the sector Helps readers anticipate what developments are likely to define the function and role of the utility of the future

" Future of Utilities - Utilities of the Future: How technological innovations in distributed generation will reshape the electric power sector" relates the latest information on the electric power sector its rapid transformation, particularly on the distribution network and customer side. Trends like the rapid rise of self-generation and distributed generation, microgrids, demand response, the dissemination of electric vehicles and zero-net energy buildings that promise to turn many consumers into prosumers are discussed. The book brings together authors from industry and academic backgrounds to present their original, cutting-edge and thought-provoking ideas on the challenges currently faced by electric utilities around the globe, the opportunities they present, and what the future might hold for both traditional players and new entrants to the sector. The book's first part lays out the present scenario, with concepts such as an integrated grid, microgrids, self-generation, customer-centric service, and pricing, while the second part focuses on how innovation, policy, regulation, and pricing models may come together to form a new electrical sector, exploring the reconfiguring of the current institutions, new rates design in light of changes to retail electricity markets and energy efficiency, and the cost and benefits of integration of distributed or intermittent generation, including coupling local renewable energy generation with electric vehicle fleets. The final section projects the future function and role of existing electrical utilities and newcomers to this sector, looking at new pathways for business and pricing models, consumer relations, technology, and innovation. Contains discussions that help readers understand the underlying causes and drivers of change in the electrical sector, and what these changes mean in financial, operational, and regulatory termsProvides thought-provoking ideas on the challenges currently faced by electric utilities around the globe, the opportunities they present, and what the future might hold for both traditional players and new entrants to the sectorHelps readers anticipate what developments are likely to define the function and role of the utility of the future

A comprehensive look at how utilities are driving clean energy innovation With Bright Moves, expert utilities consultant Tom Flaherty examines the past, present, and future of innovation in the utilities industry. He explores the complexities of what it truly means to innovate, considers the past and current disruptors driving innovation, and discusses the role of research and development in how utilities need to approach their businesses in an era of technology and market disruption. The book includes detailed profiles of today’s top innovators to illustrate: • What types of challenges utilities face today • How successful innovation requires intentional and consequential actions • How utilities are rapidly evolving toward broader and more innovative thinking • Why more commercialization is the way forward for the utilities sector ​These innovators pave exemplary pathways for start-ups and long-established companies alike as they navigate the cleantech transition and other developments. Bright Moves is for innovators in all fields—but especially utilities leadership, business executives from companies engaging utilities, start-up leaders, and other innovation professionals who are driven to succeed in a demanding and quickly changing global economy.

Electricity, supplied reliably and affordably, is foundational to the U.S. economy and is utterly indispensable to modern society. However, emissions resulting from many forms of electricity generation create environmental risks that could have significant negative economic, security, and human health consequences. Large-scale installation of cleaner power generation has been generally hampered because greener technologies are more expensive than the technologies that currently produce most of our power. Rather than trade affordability and reliability for low emissions, is there a way to balance all three? The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Energy Technologies considers how to speed up innovations that would dramatically improve the performance and lower the cost of currently available technologies while also developing new advanced cleaner energy technologies. According to this report, there is an opportunity for the United States to continue to lead in the pursuit of increasingly clean, more efficient electricity through innovation in advanced technologies. The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Energy Technologies makes the case that America's advantagesâ€"world-class universities and national laboratories, a vibrant private sector, and innovative states, cities, and regions that are free to experiment with a variety of public policy approachesâ€"position the United States to create and lead a new clean energy revolution. This study focuses on five paths to accelerate the market adoption of increasing clean energy and efficiency technologies: (1) expanding the portfolio of cleaner energy technology options; (2) leveraging the advantages of energy efficiency; (3) facilitating the development of increasing clean technologies, including renewables, nuclear, and cleaner fossil; (4) improving the existing technologies, systems, and infrastructure; and (5) leveling the playing field for cleaner energy technologies. The Power of Change: Innovation for Development and Deployment of Increasingly Clean Energy Technologies is a call for leadership to transform the United States energy sector in order to both mitigate the risks of greenhouse gas and other pollutants and to spur future economic growth. This study's focus on science, technology, and economic policy makes it a valuable resource to guide support that produces innovation to meet energy challenges now and for the future.

This transformative book explores the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing the utilities industry. It covers crucial topics such as intelligent grids, decentralized energy resources, customer engagement, electric vehicle integration, and more, providing a comprehensive and practical guide to successfully navigate the energy transition. In today's world, the urgency of addressing climate change and transitioning to sustainable energy systems is undeniable. With approximately 60 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the energy sector, utilities play a vital role in achieving sustainability goals. The traditional utility business model faces disruption from renewable energy, changing consumer expectations, and regulatory shifts. Embracing AI emerges as a key solution to optimize operations, enhance grid reliability, and meet evolving customer demands. Through compelling case studies and industry-specific use cases, you will discover how AI drives innovation, improves operational efficiency, and contributes to a greener and more sustainable world. As the demand for cleaner and more sustainable energy practices grows, this book demonstrates how AI can support utilities in meeting these demands, making them more resilient, agile, and customer-centric. Whether you're a seasoned industry expert or a curious student, this book equips you with the knowledge and insights to embrace sustainability, navigate the complex energy landscape, leverage AI to shape a positive future, and join the movement towards a greener world, empowered by AI's potential in the utilities industry. What You Will Learn Understand the challenges and opportunities for utilities in the context of climate change, energy poverty, and the evolving business landscape Discover how rapid transformation is needed in the utilities sector to overcome challenges and leverage opportunities for a sustainable future Gain insight into the role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), as a critical tool for utilities in their transformation journey Be aware of how AI can be applied in building the future utility industry, including its potential impact on energy efficiency, intelligent energy ecosystems, community engagement, and new business models Gain knowledge of the adoption of AI and machine learning technologies in the utility industry, including the current state, barriers, significant influencing factors, and an AI adoption maturity model for utilities Recognize the sustainability imperative for utilities and how AI can help in achieving sustainable energy practices Become familiar with the transformation of power generation, microgrids, intelligent transmission and distribution systems, utilities retail, mobility through electric vehicles, and the integration of distributed energy resources (DER) using AI Gain insight into the potential of AI in addressing challenges and driving innovation in the energy ecosystem, such as optimizing power generation assets, enhancing grid intelligence, improving customer service, and enabling clean energy awareness in the metaverse Who This Book Is For Professionals and decision makers in the global utilities industry who want to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to transform their operations and address challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. This book may also appeal to researchers, academics, and students in the fields of energy engineering, environmental science, data analytics, and AI who want to gain a deeper understanding of AI in the utilities sector and its implications for sustainable energy systems.

This book examines business model transformation through the study of electrical utilities, an industry at the center of today’s efforts to combat climate change. When change comes to the business model of such a mature industry, the pattern is often recognizable. The foundational elements of the industry shift, allowing the innovation of business models by new competitors, while established firms face the threat of disruption. The utility sector, after decades of relative stability, is in the midst of such a transformation today. After providing a historical summary of the dominant business models of the utility sector, Transformation of the Electric Utility Business Model looks at the factors currently impacting the industry. Utilities and policy makers today are facing two long-term issues that will dominate their agendas in the coming decades: rebuilding utility infrastructure to enable the decarbonization of the economy, and managing the risk of catastrophic events that can leave large areas without power for extended periods. Fortunately, with proper planning, many utility investments in decarbonization will also support risk management. However, these investments are often not compatible with current utility business models, requiring creativity and new regulatory frameworks to successfully implement. This book considers the impact of these factors, and then discusses the future. This well-researched, extremely insightful book is essential reading for all those with an interest in business strategy, energy studies and sustainability.