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The world\u2019s population is expected to reach 8 billion by 2025, and more than half of these individuals are expected to live in cities. Critical infrastructure, such as electric grids and water distribution systems in many cities are over a hundred years old and are in need of modernisation to support our economy and growing population.<\/p>\n
Energy and water resources are the foundation of a city\u2019s prosperity and sustainability. To ensure that people have access to these critical resources and new opportunities, managing their future through innovation in technology and resourceful collaboration will be crucial.<\/p>\n
In order to help understand how utilities can aid in shaping cities of the future, Itron commissioned a global study of the utility industry. The Itron Resourcefulness Index is a unique study that examines both utility executive and consumer attitudes about energy and water management in a survey of more than 1,400 respondents in 14 countries in nearly every region of the world. The resulting report provides key insights about the utility industry including the need for more collaboration, technology and innovation to drive transformation in the way we manage energy and water resources.<\/p>\n
One of the key findings of the Resourcefulness Index is that 94 percent of utility executives and 86 percent of consumers say the utility industry is in need of transformation. Additionally, 60 percent of utility executives and 70 percent of consumers think the industry is not currently running efficiently. The good news is that technology can help propel the industry forward. Technology innovation drives greater opportunities and will fuel smart cities of the future. To do this, cities need a strong technology foundation on which to build new applications. Utility investments in smart meters and smart grids help cities become more effective in delivering services to citizens, as they provide the mechanism for two-way communications and a source of real-time data for reducing energy and water waste. Linking a foundation of smart meters and smart grids with data analysis drives toward the real value of creating efficiency and conserving resources. If done correctly, moving from smart grids to smart cities will create new opportunities for a more resourceful world.<\/p>\n
City leaders can use information captured from smart devices to pump water at off peak times, reduce waste and create awareness to drive down city costs. The underlying smart grid communications infrastructure can also be used for transportation and other services. For example, sensors using smart grid infrastructure can be embedded in parking meters and parking garages, sending information about space availability to smartphones. These sensors can also alert drivers to traffic jams and alternate routes and integrate with street lights, enabling the lights to be switched on and off when needed.<\/p>\n
Consumers want additional information. According to the Resourcefulness Index, 80 percent say they currently do not receive an adequate amount of information from their utility companies. The good news is that the technology to provide this information exists today. We have the ability to give people the information they need in in real time to make informed decisions about optimising resources and how they coexist in our cities. Cities need to adopt the technology.<\/p>\n
Technology alone is not the answer. The best work gets done when people collaborate. This is particularly true as we collectively try to address energy, water, urbanisation and transportation challenges. These challenges can\u2019t be met with single-focused solutions. We need greater collaboration between all stakeholders to bring the best ideas forward to create a more resourceful world.<\/p>\n