The U.S. utility industry - particularly the electric-producing branch of it, there also are natural gas and water utilities - has found itself in a new, and very uncomfortable, position. Throughout the first quarter of 2009 it was front and center in the political arena.
For the last few decades the growth of the world's population and its corresponding increased demand for electrical energy has created a huge increase in the supply of electrical power. However, for logistical, environmental, political and social reasons, this power generation is rarely near its consumers, necessitating the growth of very large and complex transmission networks. The addition of variable wind energy in remote locations is only exacerbating the situation.
In recent years, exponential demand for new U.S. wind energy-generating facilities has nearly doubled America's installed wind generation. By the end of 2007, our nation's total wind capacity stood at more than 16,000 megawatts (MW) - enough to power more than 4.5 million average American homes each year. And in 2007 alone, America's new wind capacity grew 45 percent over the previous year - a record 5,244 MW of new projects and more new generating capacity than any other single electricity resource contributed in the same year.
Utilities are facing a host of challenges ranging from environmental concerns, aging infrastructure and systems, to Smart Grid technology and related program decisions. The future utility will be required to find effective solutions to these challenges, while continuing to meet the increasing expectations of newly empowered consumers. Cost management in addressing these challenges is important, but delivery of value is what truly balances efficiency with customer satisfaction.
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