Organisational impact of digitisation on RUs

The faster digitization progresses, the more data will be at the center of existing and new business models. Data is also becoming increasingly relevant for the business activities of energy supply companies (EVU). At the symposium "Challenge 'Data Policy for the Energy Sector'" the current developments and upcoming challenges around the energy supply company data world, for example in data protection, data security or organisational aspects, were discussed. The conference was organised by the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (VSE) and took place on 15 November 2018 at the Hotel Arte in Olten.

Schmuel Holles, Head of the Energy Utilities Division at Eraneos, highlighted the organisational aspect of digitisation in general and the aspect of sustainable data management in particular in his presentation "Organisational effects of digitisation on energy supply companies".

The presentation provided answers to the following questions: What does digitisation mean for energy supply companies? What is meant by the term "Utility 4.0" in this context? What are the primary organisational fields of action around the priorities of governance, decentralisation, agility and cultural change? What are the recommended approaches? In what form will the business relevance of an energy supply company's data increase? How can this data be used optimally and profitably? Which new roles, processes, skills and competences are required in the company?

Schmuel Holles finally explained the particular organisational challenges that arise from the "bi-modality" of an energy supply company, as both market-oriented and monopoly-oriented business areas have to be brought into line.