Grid Modernization and the Imperative for Utility Transformation
The smart grid is a journey of continually improving the operations of the grid through increasing levels of intelligence. Using this intelligence to improve the operational efficiencies of the grid and deliver better service to the customer is paramount.
This presentation makes a case for the utility industry to transform. Transformation is not new, nor is it unique to the electric utility industry. It is not even an option. Examples from other industries show both successes and failures. One need only to look at companies such as Kodak, Xerox, and AT&T/Ma Bell, all of which did not transform in time, which ultimately led to either their demise or loss of market share. Utilities were immune to these changes for a long time, but if the events of the past 20 years and the forecasted changes over the next couple of decades are any indication, it is all going to change.
Utilities need to learn from companies that have survived and thrived despite intense competition, in order to compete with the new and often much nimbler companies just appearing on the horizon. Utilities also need to learn from the mistakes of companies that did not survive to ensure they do not make the same errors.
Speaker:
Dr. Vadari is Founder and President of Modern Grid Solutions, which delivers consulting and training services to a global set of entities (cities, utilities, and vendors) seeking deep subject matter expertise in developing the next-generation electric energy and other sustainable mechanisms. Also, he is an affiliate professor at the University of Washington and a technical consultant to New York State Smart Grid Consortium, where he participates in an architecture role in the core REV team. His past roles have been VP of Infrastructure at Battelle Memorial Institute, Partner and Global lead for System Operations and Smart Grid at Accenture, Lead engineer at ESCA Corporation (now GE Digital Grid Solutions).
Dr. Vadari's book "Electric System Operations - Evolving to the Modern Grid" is available at leading book-sellers and has received 5 Star reviews from industry leaders. His second book "Smart Grid Redefined - The Transformation of the Electric Utility" was released in February 2018. Dr. Vadari has published over 50 articles and several blogs on a broad range of subjects ranging from electric system operations to smart grid to Big Data and the Internet of things. A smart grid and smart cities expert, he offers sought-after perspectives on the entire electric value chain.
This presentation makes a case for the utility industry to transform. Transformation is not new, nor is it unique to the electric utility industry. It is not even an option. Examples from other industries show both successes and failures. One need only to look at companies such as Kodak, Xerox, and AT&T/Ma Bell, all of which did not transform in time, which ultimately led to either their demise or loss of market share. Utilities were immune to these changes for a long time, but if the events of the past 20 years and the forecasted changes over the next couple of decades are any indication, it is all going to change.
Utilities need to learn from companies that have survived and thrived despite intense competition, in order to compete with the new and often much nimbler companies just appearing on the horizon. Utilities also need to learn from the mistakes of companies that did not survive to ensure they do not make the same errors.
Speaker:
Dr. Mani Vadari
Founder and President
Modern Grid Solutions
Founder and President
Modern Grid Solutions
Dr. Vadari is Founder and President of Modern Grid Solutions, which delivers consulting and training services to a global set of entities (cities, utilities, and vendors) seeking deep subject matter expertise in developing the next-generation electric energy and other sustainable mechanisms. Also, he is an affiliate professor at the University of Washington and a technical consultant to New York State Smart Grid Consortium, where he participates in an architecture role in the core REV team. His past roles have been VP of Infrastructure at Battelle Memorial Institute, Partner and Global lead for System Operations and Smart Grid at Accenture, Lead engineer at ESCA Corporation (now GE Digital Grid Solutions).
Dr. Vadari's book "Electric System Operations - Evolving to the Modern Grid" is available at leading book-sellers and has received 5 Star reviews from industry leaders. His second book "Smart Grid Redefined - The Transformation of the Electric Utility" was released in February 2018. Dr. Vadari has published over 50 articles and several blogs on a broad range of subjects ranging from electric system operations to smart grid to Big Data and the Internet of things. A smart grid and smart cities expert, he offers sought-after perspectives on the entire electric value chain.