This 20-page white paper is one of the few documents that tackles utility business models head on. It states that "long-standing electric utility business models are rapidly becoming outdated." It signals three major drivers: new technologies, new policies, and more demanding consumers. It suggests three main strategies for innovating business models, but spends most of its time focusing on the first strategy, which it has named "industry model innovation" -- innovating by moving into new industries or redefining existing ones. It also includes an explanation of "platforms" and how they will affect the industry. A sidebar covers the rise and fall of the traditional grow-and-build business model.

Mar 8, 2010