This article (Co-ops Told to Prepare for New Technologies) offers a solid recap of my keynote presentation at the 2012 Touchstone Energy New & Emerging Technologies Conference.
To emphasize the point that big change is coming for the utility industry, consider this paragraph from India’s Panel Price Crash Could Spark Solar Revolution:
Recent figures from market analysts Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) show that the price of solar panels fell by almost 50 per cent in 2011. They are now just one-quarter of what they were in 2008. That makes them a cost-effective option for many people in developing countries.
I would only add that they’ll also become a cost-effective option for people in develop countries–such as the United States–as well. If you doubt me, check out the innovative new business model Sun Edison is using to bring solar power to corporate customers.
Interested in some other “energy”-intensive articles by futurist Jack Uldrich? Check out these recent posts:
Five Trends Affecting the Utility Industry
Shift Power: The Future of Electricity
Pennies from Heaven & the Future of the Utility Industry
