A new whitepaper has been published to help global cities and utilities simplify implementation of smart city programmes.
The whitepaper has been released by American Public Power Association in partnership with SmartEnergy IP.
The paper “Creating a Smart City Roadmap for Public Power Utilities” provides insights into how utilities and cities planning their investments in smart technologies can enhance customer experience and communities.
For instance, the paper helps utilities consider which stakeholders to include in the planning process, how to communicate internally and externally and which materials to develop to support their projects.
Key takeaways from the paper include:
The definition of “smart cities” is not universally agreed upon. The Association defines a smart city in the whitepaper as a city that betters the lives of residents and businesses through mindful investments and deployments of advanced technologies.
Public power utilities need to engage in conversations early in the process to make sure there is proper coordination, as well as to ensure their interests are not superseded.
There are risks associated with utilities not engaging with the public and private sector on smart city initiatives.
In a smart city environment, the public and private sectors must align, and stakeholders, which at times have opposing interests, must communicate and coordinate with each other.
Public power utilities must take a proactive role in shaping the smart city vision for their service territories.
Juliet Shavit, CEO of SmartEnergy IP, said: “It is a pivotal time for today’s utilities as they undergo industry transformation.
“We were pleased to help with this paper since public power companies play a critical role in the future development of their communities. From smart grid to smart cities, they must leverage the latest advancements in connected technologies to improve the well-being of their citizens.”
American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide to serve more than 49 million consumers.
