• Neural Grid
  • Digital Innovations

Will XaaS Transform the Utilities Industry as We Know It?

Exploring the Benefits, Dynamics, and Risks of Anything as a Service

Mar 05, 2019 - 3:30 PM EST
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Speakers
Sponsored By ABB Enterprise Software Logo

Utilities are quickly transforming from unidirectional power providers to energy network managers, operational controllers, and technology providers. As responsibilities and expectations grow, utilities must evolve and adopt innovative business models. Key among them, the as a service (XaaS) model, could have the greatest impact on the industry. Historically offered by software vendors in the form of software as a service (SaaS), the XaaS model for grid-specific software applications, data management, and business processes could provide greater advantages than imagined to many parts of a utility’s core business.

In this webinar, Michael Hartnack, research analyst with Guidehouse Insights; Rick Nicholson, global digital strategy and marketing, Grid Automation with ABB; and Andy Bane, chief executive officer of Element, evaluated the many benefits and risks associated with several different XaaS opportunities for utilities. In addition, they discussed how utilities can adapt the XaaS business model to improve costs and efficiencies, as well as the market dynamics that are making XaaS an attractive alternative to business as usual.

Guidehouse and ABB have prepared a free white paper to complement this webinar. The paper is available for download on ABB's website.

  • XaaS business model overview and definitions
  • XaaS benefits, risks, and challenges
  • XaaS use cases for utilities
  • Recommendations for utilities for adopting XaaS models


  • What is an XaaS business model?
  • Which utility services and operations can the XaaS model perform and improve?
  • What are the benefits of XaaS models for utilities?
  • What are the risks and challenges utilities face when adopting a managed service model?
  • How can utilities overcome obstacles and mitigate risks when adopting an XaaS model?
  • Utility business and IT decision makers and strategy teams
  • Utility consultants and systems integrators
  • Utility regulators and policy makers