KEMA Utility of the Future Forum identifies need for bold solutions
Industry stakeholders address complex issues and define paths for sustainable growth
BURLINGTON, Mass, (May 21, 2008) – KEMA (www.kema.com) 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 here. 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 here.
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.