Core Insights - North American power and utilities companies are increasingly adopting AI and data-driven technologies to modernize operations and enhance customer responsiveness amid green energy mandates and cost pressures [1][2][3] Industry Trends - Utilities are transitioning from reactive to predictive and proactive operating models due to the complexity introduced by distributed energy resources (DERs), electric vehicles, and customer expectations for digital services [2][3] - The integration of AI, generative AI, and machine learning is central to improving grid and asset performance, with applications in outage forecasting, predictive maintenance, and workforce optimization [3][4] Technology Adoption - Digital innovation is enabling better infrastructure management, with advanced analytics helping to extend asset life and improve service-level agreement compliance [4] - Utilities are deploying DER management systems, advanced distribution management platforms, and virtual power plants to manage bidirectional power flows and enhance network resilience [4] Customer Engagement - There is a modernization of customer engagement as utilities respond to increasing demand for transparency, with upgrades to customer information systems supporting flexible payment plans and personalized insights [5] - AI-enabled contact centers and automated tools are enhancing customer interactions and reducing service costs [5] Strategic Insights - Utilities that align their asset, grid, and customer modernization efforts around shared data platforms are achieving faster operational improvements [6] - The report highlights growing investments in cybersecurity and compliance technologies, as well as the use of digital twins and IoT data for long-term infrastructure planning [6] Provider Evaluation - The report evaluates 35 providers across four quadrants: Enterprise Asset Management, Process and Customer Experience Management, Smart Metering and Grid Modernization, and Technology, Transformation and Consulting [9] - Leading companies identified include Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant, Deloitte, HCLTech, IBM, Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, with others recognized as Rising Stars and leaders in specific quadrants [10][11]