Transformation of the Electric Utility Business Model: From Edison to Musk

Description

This book examines business model transformation through the study of electrical utilities, an industry at the center of today's efforts to combat climate change. When change comes to the business model of such a mature industry, the pattern is often recognizable. The foundational elements of the industry shift, allowing the innovation of business models by new competitors, while established firms face the threat of disruption. The utility sector, after decades of relative stability, is in the midst of such a transformation today. After providing a historical summary of the dominant business models of the utility sector, Transformation of the Electric Utility Business Model looks at the factors currently impacting the industry. Utilities and policy makers today are facing two long-term issues that will dominate their agendas in the coming decades: rebuilding utility infrastructure to enable the decarbonization of the economy, and managing the risk of catastrophic events that can leave large areas without power for extended periods. Fortunately, with proper planning, many utility investments in decarbonization will also support risk management. However, these investments are often not compatible with current utility business models, requiring creativity and new regulatory frameworks to successfully implement. This book considers the impact of these factors, and then discusses the future. This well-researched, extremely insightful book is essential reading for all those with an interest in business strategy, energy studies and sustainability. Acknowledgments Foreword Contents Introduction Part 1: Utilities at Risk Introduction 1 Twin Challenges: Risk Management and Decarbonization 2 The Business Model Part 2: Utility Business Model Transformation – A History Introduction 3 Before the Electric Grid 4 The First Utility Model – The Central Station Grid 5 The Second Utility Model – Centralized with Competition 6 The Third Utility Model – Regulated Monopoly Part 3: Emergence of a New Business Model Introduction 7 A Business Model Under Strain: Market Disruptions 8 The New Business Model: Decarbonizing the Value Chain 9 The New Business Model: Redefining the Customer 10 The New Business Model: Struggling with Value Capture 11 The New Business Model: Redefining the Value Offering 12 The New Business Model – Centralized and Decentralized Coexistence List of Abbreviations Glossary References List of Figures List of Tables About the Author Index