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KEMA Utility of the Future Forum identifies need for bold solutions
Industry stakeholders address complex issues and define paths for sustainable growth
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BURLINGTON, Mass, (May 21, 2008) – KEMA brought together representatives from electric utilities,
renewable energy, regulators, policy makers, technology companies, financiers and other utility industry
stakeholders at its first Utility of the Future Forum in Dallas the week of May 5th. The two-day forum
focused on identifying ideas and solutions that address the many complex issues utilities face – from
rising costs and aging infrastructure, to greenhouse gas emissions limits, increased environmental and
compliance demands, and an uncertain regulatory structure. Discussions highlighted new models for the
future utility and ideas for a more sustainable, profitable and reliable utility enterprise.
Former New York Governor George Pataki gave the opening address, telling the forum participants, “No
realm is more important for the future of our country than energy, as it holds potential solutions for climate
change, national security and economic growth”. Pataki challenged energy and utility companies to be
proactive in cap and trade solutions, urged federal permitting of electric transmission lines, federal tax
credits for renewable energy that last eight to ten years instead of the current two-year period, and
advocated bold government incentive programs for developing high fuel efficiency automobiles.
“We developed this event specifically to facilitate innovative, visionary paths for the future utility,” said
Hugo van Nispen, president and managing director of KEMA, Inc. “At the turn of the 19th century
electrification was a major, transformative development. But for the past half century, while utilities have
focused on making incremental enhancements to keep costs down and maintain an aging infrastructure,
the digital revolution has driven customer expectations of service and quality exponentially ahead of
existing capabilities. Evolving policies and strategies to address global warming and manage carbon
emissions also will have a significant impact on utility operations. “
“These changes are shaking business models to their core,” continued van Nispen. “If we are to meet and
adapt to the emerging demands of the 21st century, now is the time for boldness and for a move away
from incrementalism. The Utility of the Future Forum gathered together forward-thinking and innovative
players in the industry to advance the transformation. We also reached outside the industry to include
representatives from Google, Ford Motor Company and from the building automation industry including
Siemens, Gridlogix and Novus Edge. The utility enterprise of the future is likely to see a convergence of
energy, information technology and transportation and it was time to involve other innovators in
developing solutions for the future.”
For a full list of participating speakers and panelists, visit http://www.kema.com/utility_future. Proceedings
of the Forum discussions, as well as a series of white papers outlining the findings will be made available
later. To sign up to receive Forum publications, visit http://www.kema.com/utility_future.
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[download] 052108 KEMA Utility of the Future (.pdf 27 kb)
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About KEMA
Founded in 1927, KEMA (www.kema.com ) is a global provider of business and technical consulting, operational support, measurement and inspection, testing and certification for the energy and utility industry. KEMA employs 1,600 professionals in 20 countries. The firm’s North American consulting operations are headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts. KEMA’s global headquarters are in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
Media contacts (www.kema.com/press_releases ):
• North America: Kristen Brewitt ( kristen.brewitt@kema.com )
tel +1 781 418 5714
• Europe: Rolf van Stenus ( rolf.vanstenus@kema.com )
tel +31 26 3 56 2607
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