Building a smart grid is top of mind for most utilities right now. Some recently finished submitting grant applications for funding under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and many others are in various stages of planning or deployment.

As many utilities learned during the recent grant application process, creating a smart grid vision and deployment plan requires a very deliberate and thoughtful approach. A smart grid doesn’t just change the technology; it transforms all aspects of a utility’s operations—including the customer experience—and challenges the traditional, silo-based management structure that is common in many utilities today.

West Monroe Partners recently assisted more than a dozen utilities—helping them create smart grid road maps, business cases, and compelling applications for ARRA funding. This newsletter highlights the key considerations during this critical early stage of development:

• Understanding the steps in the smart grid journey
• Planning for Department of Energy notification and the questions you must be ready to answer
• Transforming your contact center(s) to manage the changing customer experience
• Preparing for DOE ARRA reporting requirements and avoiding the RAT Board 

In short, this experience has been eye-opening for most. To quote one of our clients: “We realize now that by simply focusing on replacing systems, we had set our sights a little too low. With today’s smart grid technologies, we can accomplish much more—and offer our citizens much more.”

Two clients have been kind enough to share their experiences and reflections in this newsletter. We hope you will find their insights interesting and relevant:

• Seattle City Light
• The City of Georgetown, Texas

Wherever you are in the process, you have an experienced resource in West Monroe Partners. Our team is always available to assist, answer questions, or just talk. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Regards,

Tom Hulsebosch
Managing Director Energy & Utility Practice
312-980-0320