Find out why tight data ecosystem integration is critical to optimizing clean energy program impact—and how EVOLVE can help.
Ever tried to synthesize data from multiple databases, siloed systems, spreadsheets, or other sources with dissimilar data formats, hierarchies, and taxonomies? Depending upon the amount of data and number of disparate sources, it can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience leading to less-than-accurate insights.
The foundation of mutually beneficial partnerships between internal organizations as well as external partners is, in large part, driven by a strong integration strategy. The deeper the integration, the greater the benefits. To better serve customers and accelerate clean energy programs, connecting disparate systems and ensuring that they communicate efficiently and securely is paramount.
In this article, I’ll explore why tight system integration within your client and partner ecosystem is critical to optimizing clean energy program impact.
Making the Most of Data Ecosystems
Access to data and the ability to derive insights from that data are critical to uncovering opportunities, so the more data you have, the better. I have found that there are times when you may not even know what those opportunities are, since it’s difficult to predict the kind of analysis you can do until you have access to the data.
A great example is DNV’s partnership with WattTime. We can learn a great deal about energy usage by collecting AMI data. But recently, we found that by combining AMI data with WattTime greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data we can understand the bigger picture of how energy usage impacts the environment. Because AMI data is time stamped, we can match energy records across time periods to pinpoint usage patterns. We can then use this data to forecast how a customer is going to behave from an energy and emissions standpoint and deliver targeted solutions that help customers lower their energy usage while also limiting their GHG emissions.
Powering a Better Customer Experience
System and data ecosystem integration increases productivity and improves the customer experience. The ability to share data between systems and derive insights seamlessly breaks down barriers between systems and organizations and saves time and frustration. In this way, integration enables greater scalability and productivity, which means utilities can serve customers at a lower cost.
Furthermore, real-time information can be of significant value to customers. DNV works with multiple utilities that provide us with their application program interface, enabling us to retrieve customer data from their systems in real time to determine right away, for instance, if a customer is eligible to participate in a particular clean energy program. This integration is especially helpful for distributors and trade allies who need to know if their project qualifies for an incentive.
Accelerating Adoption of New Technologies
Technology evolves by building on previous innovations. It used to be that we had to build systems from the ground up and construct interfaces to ensure systems could talk to each other. But in recent years, the tech industry has standardized on protocols, eliminating a lot of the heavy lifting to streamline integration. This kind of standardization drives greater security and stability. It also makes innovation more affordable, which is a savings that utilities can pass back to their customers.
Standardization also lays the groundwork for the adoption of newer, more powerful technologies. For example, advancements in augmented reality enable utilities to train trade allies to install equipment in simulated settings. Additionally, by integrating with remote video platforms like Blitzz, utilities can perform virtual energy audits from anywhere, saving time for both customers and the utility while also decreasing risks.
Driving Integration with EVOLVE
Utilities that embrace data ecosystem integration between internal and external organizations position themselves to uncover new opportunities, improve customer satisfaction, streamline operational efficiency, and expand clean energy success.
An optimal way to get started is with the EVOLVE Digital Suite from DNV. The most robust solution of its kind on the market, EVOLVE maximizes energy program impacts and delivers a holistic view of customers by integrating diverse data streams around customer information, virtual audits, energy use patterns, grid technologies, and more.
Each solution in the EVOLVE Digital Suite integrates with utilities’ existing systems and is tailored to meet the unique needs of utilities. Created using advanced security practices and protocols, EVOLVE helps utilities reduce risk while keeping data, networks, and infrastructure secure.
From a data standpoint, EVOLVE positions utilities to leverage advanced analytics and real-time reporting to track program progress, analyze and predict customer behaviors, surface trends and opportunities, and increase forecasting accuracy. Utilities can expand and streamline incentive programs while giving trade allies and distributors the tools they need to connect customers with clean energy programs and grow business.
Utilities must seek ways to integrate partner and organization data ecosystems to continue advancing clean energy. To learn more about the many ways that EVOLVE can help, I encourage you to explore the full EVOLVE Digital Suite.
Contact us
