As part of the yearlong Innovate with WBENC series, the WBENC Utilities Industry Advisory Board will host a Fireside Chat Q & A on Thursday, April 21st from 1-2:30 PM ET to review the 2022 Utilities Industry Overview and Integrated Supply Chain Model detailed in this article. During that session, WBEs can learn more about how the utilities industry is infusing innovation and the opportunities that exist for WBES.
The dynamic utilities industry has evolved exponentially over the last several years. Challenges such as keeping up with customer demand, navigating unprecedented environmental events and mitigation of supply chain disruptions that affect service are key focus areas for the industry. However, history has shown us time and time again that challenges often surface new opportunities.
Environmental changes, supply chain disruptions and bold new initiatives in the utilities industry, while challenging, have created many new opportunities for WBEs to partner with utility companies to meet the future head-on.
Jaspreet (Jas) Singh, Vice President Corporate Services agrees noting, “Infrastructure needs for both DTE Gas and DTE Electric (e.g., grid hardening) and Renewable Energy projects will result in additional opportunities for WBEs over the next 10-15 years.”
For the past five years the WBENC Utilities Industry Advisory Board has worked together to provide valuable insights and thought leadership impacting the effectiveness and inclusion of WBEs in the Utilities Industry and support and education to develop and scale WBEs. The WBENC Utilities Industry Advisory Board is comprised of leaders from five WBENC Corporate Member companies including CenterPoint Energy, DTE Energy, Entergy, Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and VISTRA.
In 2022, the 25th Anniversary of WBENC and focus on innovation provide an excellent forum for the Utilities Advisory Board to communicate current trends and focus areas in the utilities industry as well as growing opportunities for certified women-owned businesses.
Jana Browning, Director, Electric Operations Strategic Sourcing at Pacific Gas and Electric Company shared, “In 2021, PG&E announced plans to underground 10,000 miles of power lines. This project will be the largest effort of its kind and a tremendous opportunity. We look forward to women business owners and other diverse businesses assisting PG&E in reducing wildfire risk and helping us address California’s climate challenges.”
The 2022 Utilities Industry Overview and Integrated Supply Chain Model, developed by the WBENC Utilities Industry Advisory Board, outlines both ongoing opportunities for WBEs and emerging opportunities due to the challenges raised over the last few years and those on the horizon.
We encourage WBEs with relevant and innovative business solutions in these areas of opportunity to submit your questions for the advisory board and join the Utilities Industry Advisory Board for a Fireside Chat Q&A on Thursday, April 21st from 1-2:30 pm ET.
This session will feature a panel of utilities leaders and subject matter experts who will discuss emerging opportunities in the Utilities Industry supply chain. Questions submitted through the registration form will be answered to help WBEs prepare their business pitches for the 2022 WBENC National Conference in Atlanta, GA, June 7-9, 2022.
Register to Attend