Carbon control legislation under consideration in Congress is intensifying regulatory uncertainty in US energy generation. The challenge today is keeping existing generation assets spinning while planning for and building new assets.

Rules make markets, and rules are driving the immediate smart grid activities. However, as customers are making their own energy decisions, such as implementing rooftop solar panels, they too are forcing regulatory activity.

The Smart Grid is the foundation for Smart Energy. While new Smart Grid opportunities abound for market players with vision and innovation, implementing the technology, systems and supporting processes involves significant challenges.

Transforming the energy future requires significant investment in emerging technologies and in the processes and services needed to bring new technologies to market. What’s the industry to do during these capital constrained times?

The pace of change towards a sustainable energy future is accelerating. Executives gathered at the KEMA Utility of the Future conference revealed communications, collaboration and innovation are key to how well utilities will fare in a fast-paced, always-on future.