Capturing value in connected energy

Future uncertain. Opportunity unprecedented.

As a more decarbonized, decentralized, and customer-oriented power model takes shape, energy providers need to identify how and where they will invest to thrive in connected energy to achieve greater performance and value. Connected energy services present a huge opportunity—finding ways to deliver distributed generation and EV products and related services, energy management, energy efficiency and flexibility as part of consumers’ new digital energy experience.

There is good reason to give consumers what they want. Our analysis suggests that much of future growth will likely come further downstream through new energy retail products and services.

Opportunity quantified

Three core value pools for connected energy services:

• Behind-the-meter offerings related to DER, focusing on helping customers achieve sustainable, manageable and efficient energy with rooftop solar, storage, electrified heating, energy-efficiency measures and energy management solutions.
• eMobility offerings, such as chargepoint infrastructure, charging services and data integration services to facilitate the eMobility ecosystem.
• Flexibility services to enable energy providers to leverage the interconnection of devices such as smart meters, smart thermostats, and residential and commercial energy management systems, and their data—creating value for actors across the new power model through modulation of energy supply and demand.

To tap into connected energy value pools, three customer plays are taking shape:

European energy providers are well-positioned to capitalize and seize market share as these emerging opportunities grow and mature. And they should consider the power of integrating offerings to create holistic customer value propositions.

Competition electrified

As a new ecosystem develops, new entrants are investing in connected energy solutions for future growth. These competitors include oil and gas companies, car manufacturers, startups and digital giants.

Pursue the opportunity

To capture value in connected energy, energy providers need to grow new routes to market. As companies work to find and scale growth, Accenture recommends starting with the following areas of focus:

• Evaluate new growth areas.
• Earn the right to win.
• Get to scale.

Above all, energy providers must accelerate investment in the connected energy future—or risk being left behind.