Digital Tech Helps Electric Utilities Improve Customer Sustainability—And Their Own

Electric utilities and other power networks are in a unique position when it comes to improving sustainability. That’s because they have the ability to not just control their own carbon footprint but also promote more efficient, sustainable energy use for consumers. They can improve sustainability and decarbonize to mitigate climate change while still supporting their consumers’ growing needs ranging from smooth, efficient integration of electric vehicles into the grid to better energy accessibility.

There is impressive growth in electric vehicle (EV) use as consumers seek greener, emission-free transportation. In 2016, there were record-breaking sales of EVs worldwide, and that growth is expected to continue. Some predict that one in six new cars in the world will be electric by 2025.

How will this explosion in EV popularity benefit utilities? It’s a huge opportunity because EVs need charging stations and other essential power infrastructure and will depend on utilities to provide energy from renewable power sources and maximize off-peak charging energy use. Because of these needs, EVs will contribute to an efficient, cleaner, digitized energy system and infrastructure that is customer-centric while also furthering utilities’ climate change goals.

Utilities are also focusing on a different sustainability challenge—how to decarbonize energy while expanding electrification and promoting efficiency in developing and rural regions of the world. In many regions, microgrids and clean, low-carbon power sources like solar, are the most practical power options—and the most sustainable.

To learn modern strategies for leveraging smart grid tools that will help meet these challenges, get our free white paper: Smart Distribution Utility Strategies that Maximize Grid Efficiency.