Illinois Commerce Commission discusses smart app potential in utility operations
Recognizing that the world is becoming more digitized every day, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently held a policy session to examine smart apps’ place and benefits among utilities of the future.
Their focuses included how smart apps benefit utility operations and consumer engagement, the potential cybersecurity risks associated with them and what Illinois can do to foster future app growth. They held two panels to discuss: Utility Operations and Customer Engagement, followed by Policy Considerations for Utility Smart Apps. Both were attended by numerous experts, assessing the advantages in app usage.
“Utilities can now use smartphone apps to assess damage, inspect assets, comply with safety standards, assure quality, mobilize crews, and track and manage work, achieving safer, more reliable and efficient system operation,” Deepak Swamy, founder and CEO of IRestore as well as a speaker on the first panel, said.
For the future, others spoke of the need to consider user experience and provide useful info to customers, as well as shared the progress made on current apps.
“While some utilities have made efforts to provide their customers services through mobile apps, there are more opportunities to provide services and benefits to utility customers using mobile apps,” Anastasia Palivos, acting ICC commissioner, said.
