Piloting the Energy Transition with Stefan Zschiegner and Ty Roberts of Itron [Power Perspectives Conversations at Distributech 2024]
In the fast-evolving landscape of the global energy sector, utility companies are amidst unprecedented challenges and opportunities at a greater scale than ever before. And as the world transitions towards more sustainable and modernized energy sources, the role of technology and innovation has never been more crucial. That timeliness and urgency is what makes conferences like this February’s DISTRIBUTECH 2024 so opportune for leaders to share ideas, learn what their peers are doing, and disseminate critical innovations more quickly.
Itron brought a key leadership team with them to Orlando for DISTRIBUTECH 2024, eager to share the lessons learned and best practices amid today’s grid transformation. In particular, Stefan Zschiegner, Vice President of Product Management, and Ty Roberts, Vice President of Product Marketing for Networked Solutions, held constant audiences at the Itron booth. But amidst their busy schedules, these leaders did graciously find time to sit down for an exclusive conversation with Energy Central to delve into the key themes shaping the future of the utility industry.
In the conversation with Energy Central, Zschiegner and Roberts shaped a compelling narrative, exploring the intersection of technology, collaboration, and operational change in driving the energy transition. These experts shared critical insights on pivotal topics ranging from the growing emphasis on grid edge intelligence and the crucial role of partnerships and collaboration in driving industry innovation. Throughout the conference, Itron’s leaders offered glimpses into the future, discussing emerging priorities and the transformative potential of data and cloud technology, and the importance of developing compelling business cases and securing funding for innovative initiatives.
Focus on Grid Edge and the Technology Force Multipliers
Settling into the discussion on hot topics at DISTRIBUTECH, Zschiegner emphasized the significant shift towards grid edge intelligence within the utility industry. Utilities need increased visibility and control at the grid edge, down to the millions of devices below the substation, including feeders, transformers, endpoints and behind-the-meter devices. He noted that this focus is no longer merely a buzzword but has instead become a tangible area of interest and investment for utilities. Zschiegner highlighted the evolving language around the grid edge, indicating a substantial departure from previous years. This shift suggests a genuine desire within the industry to not only discuss but also implement grid edge technologies. Such transformation signifies a maturation within the industry, where stakeholders are moving beyond theoretical concepts to practical implementations aimed at enhancing grid efficiency and reliability.
