Digitalisation of utilities core discussion at World Utilities Congress

As talks about energy transition increase and what that would translate in terms of costs for customers, utility companies will come together at the  World Utilities Congress  to discuss how digitalisation enhances customer experience.

“Adopting digital technologies will help utility company managers increase the efficiency of their assets, save energy and water, and lead to an overall more sustainable country,” said Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, the organisers of the World Utilities Congress, in a statement.

“Data will also play an integral role in decision-making, both for current projects and future developments, paving the way for a new energy ecosystem," he added.

Frost & Sullivan said that currently digital investments  are directed toward three main areas: enhancing customer service, optimising grid operations, and developing connected businesses.

Utility companies are rapidly adopting digital technologies to ensure efficient operations and lower costs. 

Emerging digital technologies, such as smart grids, industrial IoT and big data are influencing the power industry to become more agile, cost effective, and sustainable business models, said the World Utilities Congress organisers in a statement. 

By incorporating cloud computing, big data, analytics, and IoT solutions, utilities and retailers are transforming their businesses beyond commodity selling. 

Hence, there has been a rapid growth and development in digitalisation across the world’s key industrial sectors, they explained. For example, there has been an increase in the use of sensors and metres to detect leaks- technologies that only will improve the way people look at things. 

The digitalisation of the utilities sector will be discussed at a deeper level at the World Utilities Congress, which is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office.  

The congress will take place on 9-11 May in Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC, with more than 10,000 global utilities professionals expected to attend  to explore critical topics, including the future of low carbon power and water supplies. The congress is hosted by TAQA.