subject: 2011 Trends To Watch: Utilities Technology --- Aarkstore Enterprise [print this page] The pace of change in the utilities industry, while slow in comparison with some other industries, is increasing rapidly. Pressure is coming from all sides in the shape of environmental concerns, aging infrastructure, market liberalization, scarcity of resources, increasing fuel costs, a rapidly aging workforce, and increasing payment defaults caused by the economic downturn.
Scope of this research
Gain insight into the business trends that we believe will characterize the utilities sector in 2011. Understand the technology enablers that will help utilities achieve their operational objectives.
Research and analysis highlights
As these business processes change, so does the technology that supports them. Smart grid and smart meter investments are cornerstones of the technology solutions to many of the above problems. However, the investment in technology required by utilities does not end there.
New billing engines and customer relationship management systems are needed, while business intelligence and analytics can help a utility across the entire value chain to save costs and help drive business growth, and knowledge management systems can help a utility battle against the problems of an aging workforce.
Key reasons to purchase this research
What will utilities need to do in order to remain competitive in 2011 and beyond? What major issues are on the agenda for utility CIOs in 2011?
Table of Contents :
SUMMARY
Catalyst
Publishers View
Key messages
BUSINESS TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGY ENABLERS
There are many drivers and barriers shaping the prospects of organizations in the utilities industry
UTILITIES ARE UNDER PRESSURE TO HELP DRIVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Environmental concerns force utilities to cut carbon emissions, while demand for resources increases
Environmental concerns have led governments and regulators to reduce carbon emissions
Utilities are facing an unprecedented demand on resources, particularly electricity and water
Deployment of smart technologies will accelerate in 2011 to help reduce demand
Smart grid technologies decrease GHG impact through increased volumes of renewable energy and energy storage
Smart metering overcomes scarcity of resources by influencing customer behavior
Customer information systems must adapt for smart meter data
CAPITAL-CONSTRAINED UTILITIES MUST IMPROVE COST MANAGEMENT
Utilities suffer from the combined effect of increasing infrastructure costs and bad credit
Future capital expenditure in infrastructure is vast
The high cost of fuel puts pressure on utility retail prices and forces cuts in operating costs
The economic downturn has increased rates of payment defaults
