The past few years have ramped up the momentum for advances in digital technologies in the utility sector. The smart grid is no longer a vision for the future, but it’s happening in practice today. That said, there’s still a lot of work to do to install additional smart meters and associated hardware, maintaining the appropriate software and cybersecurity provisions that go along with it, and finding operational ways to maximize the impact of the digital utility.

For much of its history, the energy industry was largely dominated by central utility giants that covered all the power and gas needs of its region. While that centralized utility model still persists and succeeds, since the turn of the century the industry has also seen the rise of more small operations, tech startups, and new players looking to innovate in the world of energy. In particular, the clean energy space has seen a rise in these new thought leaders and creative solutions.

In case you missed it, all last week Energy Central announced our yearly winners of the 'Top Voices' recognition. When Energy Central created a Community Platform to connect power utility professionals across geographies, sectors, and levels of career, our true goal was to give professionals in the industry a way to share, learn, and connect. Since that time, our communities have grown, engagement is at an all-time high, and we are seeing more and more collaboration and sharing. This progress is all happening thanks to you, the valued Community Member!

If there’s one truth that 2020 has really hammered home for us in the utility industry, it’s how important great leadership and calm, thoughtful management is to the sector. Recognizing the value of this leadership, Energy Central has been doubling down on finding great leaders across the world of utilities to tap into for our Network of Experts, and as we do so it’s just as important to make sure these experts are visible and available to providing insights and discussion in the community. One of the best ways we keep that up is through the official Energy Central Power Perspective ‘Welcome New Expert Interview Series.’