In the interview below, Dr. Webber shares his expertise on the energy-water nexus, the transformative potential of AI and grid-edge intelligence, and why breaking down silos across sectors is critical for future innovation. He also invites the Energy Central community to join the conversation, reflecting on how utilities can rise to the challenges of this pivotal moment for the industry.
Other Energy Central Interviews with speakers from Itron Inspire:
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Energy Central: I know you regularly share your insights and thought leadership with the industry, and I’m thrilled that you do so. When you’re preparing for an event like Itron Inspire, how did you go about identifying what your main message should be given the timing of the presentation as well as the audience?
Dr. Michael Webber: When I prepare for an event like Itron Inspire, I start by thinking about what the audience might care about and what’s timely. This particular audience is composed of leaders and professionals from utilities and related industries, so I try to focus on the topics that will resonate with them. I also consider what’s happening in the world—whether it’s the current state of energy and water systems, recent innovations, or policy developments—and align my message with those trends.
For this event, I highlighted the importance of efficiency, particularly in the way we use resources like water and energy, and how digital tools can help us be more efficient. The main goal is to give the audience something actionable and relevant, while also challenging them to think beyond their usual scope. Events like this are an opportunity to connect ideas with an audience ready to take action.
EC: For any Energy Central listeners that weren’t able to attend live, what would be the main Spark Notes of what they missed and what key messages from the keynote you’d want to reach the wider power sector.
MW: The main Spark Notes of my keynote would be that we’re at a point in time where efficiency, innovation, and integration are critical for the future of the power sector. I focused heavily on the energy-water nexus and the role utilities can play in improving how these two systems work together.
I emphasized that utilities need to move away from siloed thinking and instead look for opportunities to collaborate across sectors. For example, the water sector is a huge consumer of electricity, and the power sector uses significant amounts of water for cooling. These interdependencies create a lot of inefficiencies, but they also create opportunities for collaboration to reduce waste and improve resilience.
I also discussed how emerging technologies—like AI, IoT, and advanced data analytics—can drive operational improvements and enhance grid reliability. For those who weren’t able to attend, my key takeaway is this: utilities have a unique opportunity to lead in this transition, but it requires embracing new ways of thinking and adopting the right tools to optimize performance.
EC: You emphasized the energy-water nexus as a critical area. The Energy Central community is primarily based on power utilities, so I’m curious what key message should be shared with the power sector when it comes to having them consider this interdependence and improve resource efficiency, rather than having the utilities remain siloed as the status quo.
MW: The key message for power utilities is that the energy-water nexus isn’t just a theoretical concept—it’s a real and pressing issue that affects their operations. Power plants, for instance, use enormous amounts of water for cooling, and during droughts or heatwaves, that reliance on water can lead to disruptions. Similarly, water utilities use electricity for pumping, treatment, and distribution. This relationship is not only interdependent but also a source of potential inefficiency.
If the power sector and water sector work together to align their goals, they can create synergies that improve resource use and resilience. For example, by sharing data and coordinating operations, they can reduce waste and ensure that both systems operate more effectively under stress. The status quo—where these systems operate independently of each other—leaves us vulnerable to resource constraints and operational inefficiencies. It’s time to break down the silos and recognize the opportunities for collaboration.
EC: How do you foresee AI and grid-edge intelligence reshaping the energy landscape, especially in terms of enhancing grid resilience and reducing waste?
MW: AI and grid-edge intelligence have the potential to transform the energy landscape in a number of ways. They bring precision, speed, and adaptability to the grid, which are essential for managing the complexity of modern energy systems. For instance, AI can analyze massive amounts of data in real time, allowing utilities to predict and prevent outages before they happen. This is a game-changer for grid resilience.
At the grid edge, intelligent devices can optimize energy flows by responding dynamically to changes in demand and supply. This reduces waste by ensuring that energy is used more efficiently and not lost in transmission or overproduction.
These technologies also empower consumers, giving them tools to better understand and control their energy use. By combining AI and grid-edge intelligence, we can create a more flexible, reliable, and sustainable energy system. But the challenge for utilities will be integrating these tools effectively while managing costs and cybersecurity risks.
EC: You spoke about using data and smart controls to address waste. Could you elaborate on how utilities can leverage data to make tangible improvements in operational efficiency? And in your experience are those utilities currently collecting and analyzing the right types of data or is adjusting their data practices step 1 before getting into the smart controls and improvements?
MW: Data is a powerful tool for utilities, but its value depends on how it’s used. Utilities can leverage data to identify inefficiencies, forecast demand, and optimize resource allocation. For example, advanced metering infrastructure provides detailed insights into energy consumption patterns, which can inform demand response programs or targeted infrastructure investments.
However, many utilities are still in the early stages of their data journey. They might be collecting a lot of data, but they aren’t always analyzing it in ways that lead to actionable insights. Step one for these utilities is to assess their data collection and management practices to ensure they’re gathering the right kinds of data. From there, they can implement analytics platforms and smart controls to turn that data into meaningful improvements in efficiency and reliability.
It’s not just about collecting more data—it’s about collecting better data and using it strategically to drive decisions.
EC: What lessons from past energy transitions should the industry consider now as it tackles both technological and environmental challenges?
MW: One of the key lessons from past energy transitions is that change takes time, but it also requires bold leadership. The transitions from wood to coal, coal to oil, and now oil to renewables didn’t happen overnight—they involved years of investment, policy support, and public buy-in.
Another lesson is the importance of collaboration. When industries, governments, and academia work together, they can overcome challenges more effectively. This is especially true in today’s context, where we’re not just transitioning to new energy sources but also integrating advanced technologies like AI and IoT.
Finally, the energy industry should remember that transitions create both winners and losers. It’s important to anticipate and address the social and economic impacts of these changes to ensure a just transition for all stakeholders.
EC: In our interview on Energy Central, we’ll be reaching those utility decision makers. So if you had one final message to them– a piece of advice or an urgent and timely message– what do you think is most important for these leaders to know and act on at this critical juncture for the industry?
MW: My final message is that the energy industry is at a crossroads, and the decisions made today will have far-reaching implications for decades to come. The pace of change is accelerating, and utilities need to embrace innovation and adaptability.
Leaders must think holistically about their role in the energy ecosystem, recognizing the interconnectedness of power, water, and other resources. They should also prioritize investments in technology and workforce development to stay ahead of the curve.
Most importantly, utilities have a responsibility to lead the energy transition in a way that benefits their communities, customers, and the environment. This is a moment of great challenge but also incredible opportunity. Seize it.
