More than ever electricity utilities are facing head winds, including shortages of generation capacity, growing pressure to electrify large numbers of customers, financial squeeze, and generally a lack of capacity to deliver both as the supplier of last resort and as cornerstones of national growth.
Normal utility response and thinking is to invest in generation plant, connect IPP’s, construct networks and to focus on increasing customer revenue. This thinking stems from the concept that utilities supply to every meter, what customers choose to do with the power is their problem as long as they pay.
Despite being around for years Demand Side Management (DSM) is misunderstood additional strategy in the utility manager’s hand to help in resolving these challenges. In fact it could be said that utilities who do not embrace beyond the meter or demand side actions will not survive! This forgotten step-sister, enables utilities understand how customer use power, appreciate the profitability or margin on every kWh sold and then work towards managing the usage to optimise returns!
Into this space IES offers the following services
1. Business analysis
- Strategically integrating the roll of beyond the meter actions into utility plans.
- Analysis mythology for understanding and tracking margins on sales.
2. Programme development
- National or network specific programme identification to improve financial returns
- Programme design and development for launch into the market.
3. Training services
- Training staff on demand side management for electricity utility personnel.