I think your comment regarding the traditions of the electric utilities is spot on.

I recently began working with investor owned utilities (IOU’s) after a career in various high tech industries that were more open to embrace rapidly changing technology.

I am unsure if you are aware but within the next five to ten years many of the leadership and engineering ranks within the utility segment will be retiring. The next generation of leaders who will replace the current leadership being groomed as we speak.

My company works with PG&E and the harbinger of change is apparent with our dealing them.

PG&E is a professionally run outfit and I am confident once the more progressive management is in place they will figure it out which is in everyone interest. I am quietly optimistic about the future of IOU’s
transforming how we use our energy.

Just give it some time.

It’s odd how much smart-grid money rains down on traditional electric utilities that fight change at every turn. Oh sure, they make the correct public relation noises about “customers first” and “smart meters”.

Look at how revolutions have occurred in the telephone and computer industries. IBM and AT&T were both major players, but they did not lead the way with laptops and smart phones. AT&T and IBM fought change every step of the way. After losing their battles to prevent change, both are back as completely transformed companies.

Just wondering. Why would anyone work with change-resistant utilities such as PG&E and Xcel Energy when they could be working with the leaders of the next generation utilities who will transform the way we produce, distribute, and use energy?