Utility executives are overwhelmed by the dual imperative of maintaining aging infrastructure while simultaneously preparing for massive load growth from electrification and data centers. The frustration is the financial barrier—$1.4 trillion in required investment by 2030—and the high risk of cyber threats to critical operating systems. The fear is regulatory backlash or a major weather event that exposes system fragility. 

We are critical because we specialize in resilience strategy and financing. We help you optimize CapEx planning for maximum regulatory approval, fortify systems against cyber risk, and implement the digital transformation necessary to manage a complex, distributed energy landscape.

People: The New Digital Operator

The workforce must transition from maintaining legacy systems to managing a complex, digital, and distributed grid. The challenge is talent retention and upskilling. Principles must prioritize safety and service continuity. Performance measurement must focus on reliability metrics, system uptime, and customer satisfaction. Productivity is boosted by implementing AI for load forecasting, vegetation management, and customer service, enabling existing People to manage more complex, integrated Systems.

Processes: Architecting Resilience

Grid resilience and safety are non-negotiable Standards. The operational Structure must integrate IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology) teams to manage cyber risk effectively. Strategy must center on proactive resilience investments, prioritized by formal cost-benefit analysis. Systems (e.g., ADMS, DERMS, VPPs) are essential for managing distributed energy resources and load growth. The Supply Chain must be secure and local for critical components to ensure rapid recovery from extreme weather.

Products: Reliability and Integrated Services

The core product is reliable, affordable power, water, or gas, but value is shifting to integrated service offerings. Discovery focuses on energy-as-a-service models and customer demand for efficiency projects. Design must ensure new rate structures and programs incentivize efficiency and grid flexibility. Development includes the physical and digital deployment of smart meters and distributed assets. Delivery is focused on high-quality, transparent communication during outages and during the deployment of new infrastructure.

Profitability: Justifying Massive Investment

Profitability relies on securing regulatory approval for large CapEx projects. Compliance with environmental (ESG) and federal mandates is the foundation of rate-case success. Strong internal Communications and external stakeholder Collaboration are needed to justify massive investment to the public and regulators. Cashflow stability is maintained through optimized financing structures and by leveraging federal funding sources for resilience and modernization initiatives.