2017电力及公用事业趋势（英文版）_11页

2017 Power and Utilities Industry Trends Summary

Core Content

The 2017 Power and Utilities Industry Trends report highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the sector as it transitions from traditional revenue models to more innovative, customer-centric approaches. The report emphasizes the need for utilities to adapt to a slowing revenue growth environment while leveraging technological advancements to meet evolving consumer and business demands.

Main Trends and Views

1. Revenue Downturn and Innovation Pressure

• Consumer Energy Revenue Decline: In the EU, electricity consumption decreased in 22 out of 28 countries between 2005 and 2014. In the US, electricity sales growth has been below 1% since 2002, with declines in five years.
• Macroeconomic Factors: Slower population growth and a shift toward less energy-intensive industries are key drivers of the decline.
• Technological Shifts: The rise in energy efficiency standards and the adoption of new technologies (e.g., lighting and appliances) have reduced energy demand.
• Future Outlook: The EIA predicts two more years of decline in energy revenue during the next decade.

2. Meeting the Demand Gap

• Customer Demand for Innovation: There is a growing demand for new power and utilities offerings, such as smart-home devices and energy management systems.
• Business Customer Interest: Companies are increasingly interested in managing energy use patterns, using technologies like intelligent sensors and data analytics.
• Examples of Innovation:
  • Procter & Gamble aims for 100% renewable energy in its plants.
  • Walmart seeks to reduce building energy intensity by 20% from 2010 levels.
  • McDonald's plans to increase energy efficiency by 20% in company-owned restaurants.
• Role of Utilities: Utilities must integrate these innovations into their operations to meet customer expectations and maintain relevance.

3. Retailization of the Power Grid

• Concept of Retailization: This involves developing more direct consumer-to-utility relationships, similar to consumer banking or online shopping.
• Initial Steps:
  • Real-time mobile and digital experiences
  • Energy efficiency audits
  • Home energy management solutions
  • Real-time billing and mobile payments
• Current Adoption: In 2015, only 40% of customers received outage information directly from their electric utility.
• Future Offerings: Battery storage, microgrids, analytics software, and intelligent substations will become more common in the retailized power grid.

4. Redefining the Portfolio

• Shift from Regulated Model: Utilities are moving toward a more flexible, digitally enabled portfolio of offerings.
• New Business Models:
  • More adjustable pricing approaches (e.g., fees-for-service, shared performance gains)
  • Focus on product and service volumes that generate margins
• Strategic Approaches:
  • M&A Strategy: Many utilities are acquiring companies with expertise in energy service management to expand their offerings.
  • Partnerships: Collaborating with other utilities or key suppliers can help build new capabilities and market presence.
• Technology Integration: Utilities must invest in data analytics, sensor-based monitoring, and energy storage to support new services.

Key Information

• Authors:
  • George Sarraf (PwC Middle East)
  • Michael A. Herman (PwC US)
  • Tom Flaherty (PwC US)
  • Norbert Schwieters (PwC Germany)
  • Steve Jennings (PwC UK)
  • Kenji Mitsui and Shoji Shiraishi (PwC Japan)
  • Rhys Kealley (contributor)
• Report Focus:
  • The challenge of managing a revenue downturn while meeting customer innovation demands.
  • The importance of digital transformation and new service models.
  • The role of M&A and partnerships in building a modern energy portfolio.

Conclusion

The power and utilities sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by both macroeconomic and technological factors. Utilities that embrace innovation, adopt new business models, and build customer-centric services are likely to thrive in the evolving market. The industry's future will be shaped by those that successfully transition from traditional regulated models to more flexible, technology-driven platforms. This shift is not only about meeting current customer needs but also about positioning utilities for long-term growth and sustainability.