From Disruption to Transformation

摘要

Electric utilities have always operated in an environment of fluctuating fuel prices, uncertain regulations and extremely commoditized business models. This environment coupled with asset-intensive operations needing continuous infrastructure investment to generate and distribute power has left utilities with little room to invest in customer-facing technologies. Results of a new Cognizant/Ovum Smarter Utilities survey of 100 U.S. utilities indicate, however, that times are changing. The imperative to reduce emissions, the need to reduce reliance of fossil fuels and the rapid evolution of technology are providing utilities with compelling reasons to look for new ways to operate. The survey revealed that utilities also are recognizing the need to become more customer-centric lest more consumers pursue direct energy sources.