Article
Why Technology Alone Is Not Enough
Human expertise has proved critical to realizing the full potential of a digital transformation at scale.
The Bionic Energy Network
JUNE 24, 2022
This reckoning comes at a time when energy networks are facing growing pressure from many directions: regulation, which squeezes returns; the advent of distributed energy resources, which require new technological and operational approaches; and climate change, which has brought about more-frequent extreme weather events and crises, such as wildfires.
BCG’s research and experience show that, regardless of the industry, the most digitally advanced companies are blending new technologies with their human capabilities. These so-called bionic companies consistently come out on top, achieving operational and financial metrics that are better than those of their competitors.
The following collection of articles, written by my colleagues over the past two years, sheds light on how bionic energy network utilities are addressing some key challenges that are confronting the industry, including transitioning to renewable energy; managing assets, the workforce, and vegetation; and reducing energy losses and debt. As these articles demonstrate, bionic energy networks have achieved superior business outcomes by combining the best of what technology and human expertise have to offer.
We hope that these perspectives open up opportunities for your energy network.
Article
Electrifying Your Digital Transformation
Bionic energy networks unlock the value that digital initiatives have to offer by taking four important steps.
Article
The Energy Transition Needs Next-Gen Network Planning
A collaborative approach to scenario modeling across the ecosystem can improve investment decisions, lower costs, and smooth the journey to net zero.
Article
Let’s Get Digital in Asset Management
By combining human know-how with technology, data, and advanced analytics, energy networks can predict potential failures, optimize asset performance, and reduce the time to deploy.
Article
Making Workforce Management Systems Work for You
Energy networks that follow four guidelines for selecting and implementing WFM systems can capture efficiencies and improve customer service.
Article
Cutting More Data and Fewer Trees
It’s time to take vegetation management to the next level. Adopting a bionic approach can reduce costs and risks while boosting employee performance.
Article
A Better Way to Reduce Energy Losses and Bad Debt
Leading networks deploy digital solutions to identify the root causes of their challenges and employ the right human capabilities to ensure the solutions are successful.
Meet the Experts
As the deadline approaches and many details remain unclear, companies are left with no choice but to plan for a hard Brexit in March 2019. Here’s how to get ready.
The old innovation model at the big agricultural-input companies no longer works. To survive, they must go digital and focus on customer needs.
Like all disruptive innovations, 3-D printing presents both risks and opportunities for incumbents. The time for health care companies to weigh the ramifications for their business is now.
Embracing digital innovation—especially for traditional companies—requires new capabilities, new ways of working, and a transformational mindset.
To prepare for tomorrow’s global energy system, players need to understand how power market dynamics are evolving today.
As electricity markets become more volatile, the value of using energy flexibly is increasing. Companies can take four practical actions to create advantage.
Electricity providers can help achieve 70% of the emissions reductions required under the country's 2050 net-zero target.
By causing gas plants to close, renewable energy could disrupt the pricing of electricity, impairing investment signals. What comes next will depend on which of three technologies emerges to support the rise of renewables.
It’s time to take vegetation management to the next level. Adopting a bionic approach can reduce costs and risks while boosting employee performance.
By combining human know-how with technology, data, and advanced analytics, energy networks can predict potential failures, optimize asset performance, and reduce the time to deploy.
A collaborative approach to scenario modeling across the ecosystem can improve investment decisions, lower costs, and smooth the journey to net zero.
Bionic energy networks unlock the value that digital initiatives have to offer by taking four important steps.
Three common misconceptions are holding B2B sales organizations back from using advanced analytics and driving much-needed revenue and productivity growth.
Leading networks deploy digital solutions to identify the root causes of their challenges and employ the right human capabilities to ensure the solutions are successful.
It’s time to take vegetation management to the next level. Adopting a bionic approach can reduce costs and risks while boosting employee performance.
Energy networks that follow four guidelines for selecting and implementing WFM systems can capture efficiencies and improve customer service.
Bionic energy networks unlock the value that digital initiatives have to offer by taking four important steps.
Energy networks that follow four guidelines for selecting and implementing WFM systems can capture efficiencies and improve customer service.
Growing demand for hydrogen will impact transportation and distribution networks differently. Players must plan ahead if they are to successfully navigate the coming disruption.
Moving even one or two steps toward full digitization can mean big gains in workers’ performance and economic efficiencies.
Investors seeking high returns from transmission and distribution networks must be ready to do some hard work. Their rewards will be cost reduction and capex avoidance.
Leading networks deploy digital solutions to identify the root causes of their challenges and employ the right human capabilities to ensure the solutions are successful.
Moving even one or two steps toward full digitization can mean big gains in workers’ performance and economic efficiencies.
Companies that abate their methane emissions early can gain a significant competitive advantage. We’ve identified six steps that can ensure the abatement journey is a success.
It’s time to take vegetation management to the next level. Adopting a bionic approach can reduce costs and risks while boosting employee performance.
Utilities face enormous pressure to make their grids fit for the future. This framework helps them meet the challenges at every stage of the journey.
Bionic energy networks unlock the value that digital initiatives have to offer by taking four important steps.
Despite efforts to promote equity, many employees say companies haven’t done enough. Creating an equitable environment goes beyond hiring a diverse team—and benefits the entire company.
Moving even one or two steps toward full digitization can mean big gains in workers’ performance and economic efficiencies.
Utilities face enormous pressure to make their grids fit for the future. This framework helps them meet the challenges at every stage of the journey.
It’s time to take vegetation management to the next level. Adopting a bionic approach can reduce costs and risks while boosting employee performance.
