The future of energy utilities

Companies operating in the electricity sector are at a crossroads.  While the future of the utility business is impossible to predict, there are some possible business strategies that utilities should adopt to survive in the new paradigm. Market conditions in the energy utility sector, at least in Europe, are the most challenging in living memory.  The centralised, integrated giants, which emerged from waves of central planning and international consolidation, now see their historical business model challenged by several factors including completion, political initiatives, regulation and structural changes.  Furthermore, technological change creates additional challenges in areas such as smart meters, micro-generation and distributed generation.

The future of energy utilities

Companies operating in the electricity sector are at a crossroads.  While the future of the utility business is impossible to predict, there are some possible business strategies that utilities should adopt to survive in the new paradigm. Market conditions in the energy utility sector, at least in Europe, are the most challenging in living memory.  The centralised, integrated giants, which emerged from waves of central planning and international consolidation, now see their historical business model challenged by several factors including completion, political initiatives, regulation and structural changes.  Furthermore, technological change creates additional challenges in areas such as smart meters, micro-generation and distributed generation.