| | March 20208IN MY OPINIONAdriana Karaboutis, CIO & CDO, National Grid [LSE: NG]ByWhen I joined the utility industry a year ago, I spent a great deal of time learning the ins and outs of an exciting and highly regulated industry through the lens of a multi-national utility company. In the US, federal and state authorities provide policy and guard rails around everything from safety and security measures to allowable returns for utilities. In the UK, a similar paradigm exists through their unique regulatory bodies. In both regions, regulations are clear and provide rules and guidance for energy companies, utilities and customers/consumers via various commissions and organizations.Nothing has changed or challenged the efforts of regulators and utilities more than the evolution of technology. I'm not just referring to the obvious technological advances of energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines and hydro plants as alternatives to coal, oil and gas; or improved battery and storage capabilities ­I'm speaking of the same technologies that have disrupted most other industries and changed the face of financial services: FinTech.FinTech brought to financial services an unprecedented element of speed and increased accessibility. Everything from payment processing to automated investing services to cryptocurrencies have created more access, transparency and speed for merchants, customers, traders, investors, etc.This same technology brings unprecedented opportunities to utilities.Peer-to-Peer trading and Blockchain: As more sources of energy come about, micro-grids are evolving where neighborhoods or small Utility Game-Changers: Solar, Wind, Hydro and FintechAdriana Karaboutis
< Page 7 | Page 9 >