Future Energy Market: How Interim Managers Develop New Business Models Together with Companies

A Look into the Future: How the Energy Market Will Revolutionize Our Homes 

It’s Monday morning in 2030. Lisa, a working mother, is gently woken up by her smart home. Her alarm clock isn’t just a clock—it’s part of an intelligent energy ecosystem. While she slowly wakes up, her home has already made several decisions for her. The electricity for her coffee machine comes from her electric car’s battery, which was charged overnight with abundant and low-cost wind energy. Lisa doesn’t worry about her car’s range.

She hasn’t had to set anything manually. Her Energy Management System (EMS) automatically adapts to current electricity prices and the availability of green energy. It also considers weather forecasts to determine the best time for charging the car or heating water. At the same time, the EMS considers the status of the power grid to prevent congestion.

While Lisa enjoys her breakfast, her smart home app sends a message to her tablet: “Good morning, Lisa! Thanks to optimized energy usage, you saved 18% on your electricity bill this week. Would you like to reinvest these savings into a local solar fund?” She smiles—her home isn’t just efficient, and actively helps her live more sustainably. Before leaving, she tells her EMS via voice command that she’ll be visiting her mother in Locarno over the weekend so that her car will be fully charged in time.

The future becomes even more exciting when she heads to work. Her car seamlessly integrates into the city’s energy ecosystem. When she parks in her company’s underground garage, its battery automatically absorbs excess solar power from the office building. In the afternoon, her car returns stored electricity to the grid through a flexibility market, helping to relieve peak demand—and Lisa even earns a small additional income from it.

This scenario highlights how consumers in a digitally connected energy market won’t just use energy more efficiently but will also become active participants in a broader ecosystem. The results? Lower costs, as electricity consumption aligns with peak supply; reduced infrastructure expansion, thanks to better grid utilization; a smaller carbon footprint, as more renewable energy is integrated; and homes that adapt to their residents’ needs.

Welcome to the future of energy!

How Digitalization, Sustainability, and Customer Expectations Are Reshaping the Energy Industry 

The energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by digitalization, platform economies, and ecosystem-based approaches. But how can energy providers (EVUs) not only manage these changes but turn them into opportunities? Interim managers, who bring flexibility, strategic expertise, and hands-on experience, play a crucial role in this transition. Together with companies, they drive the development of future-proof business models.

The Power of Data 

Energy companies are evolving into true data specialists, processing vast amounts of information from smart metering, grid operations, and power generation. This data expertise offers numerous advantages: optimizing and automating processes, improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing sustainability. Additionally, it enables a deeper understanding of customer needs by analyzing consumption patterns, allowing utilities to develop tailored products and services.

Interim managers can play a pivotal role in helping companies design and implement data-driven strategies. They bring expertise in streamlining data processes and accelerating the adoption of innovative, data-based business models. Imagine your energy provider automatically offering you the perfect rate based on your consumption habits—without you lifting a finger.

Flexibility: The Key to Success 

Renewable energy sources are shaping the energy market but come with two major challenges: fluctuations in power generation and a shift toward decentralized energy distribution. Flexibility and controllability are crucial. Intelligent energy management ensures that surplus electricity is efficiently allocated based on price signals. At the same time, flexible load management helps balance peak demand, reducing overall costs.

Energy companies are also developing new services like demand response programs, where consumers actively participate in energy markets and benefit from incentives. Interim managers can provide critical support during this transition by leveraging their industry expertise to implement flexibility strategies and adapt to evolving market demands. This agility gives companies a competitive edge.

Sector Coupling: The Great Integration 

The boundaries between energy sectors are blurring. Electricity, heating, and mobility are increasingly viewed as an integrated system. The benefits of this sector coupling are vast. Interconnected solutions create optimal efficiency, smarter local energy networks, and new business opportunities.

Interim managers play a crucial role by helping companies strategically plan and execute these integrated approaches. With their expertise, they optimize collaboration between sectors and drive innovative projects—such as electric mobility acting as a bridge between power grids and transportation.

Customer-Centricity in the Digital Age 

Digital sales channels and personalized services are revolutionizing customer relationships. Many emerging business models are only viable thanks to digitalization. Energy providers are investing in multichannel platforms that offer seamless customer experiences. Data-driven insights allow them to create highly targeted offerings, ensuring simplicity and convenience.

However, adapting IT systems and processes to meet these demands is challenging. Interim managers can accelerate this transformation by applying their experience in digital sales strategies, process optimization, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Industry Focus as the Key to Success 

Interim managers specializing in the energy sector bring deep understanding of industry complexities. With strict regulations, rapid technological advancements, and increasing competition, smart approaches are essential. Their expertise allows them to foster strategic partnerships and strengthen a company’s market position. 

Their ability to quickly assume operational responsibility provides EVUs with the flexibility needed to respond to challenges such as decarbonization, renewable energy expansion, and digital grid transformation. As a result, they help develop and implement innovative business models tailored to the energy industry’s specific needs.

A Thrilling Journey into the Future of Energy 

The energy market transformation is already underway. Companies must act swiftly and innovatively to develop new competencies and explore bold new directions. For consumers, this shift means greater convenience, transparency, and active participation in the energy transition.

The energy market of the future will be digital, customer-centric, and environmentally friendly. It will be fascinating to see how new business models evolve in the coming years—and how they reshape our daily lives. One thing is certain: Tomorrow’s energy industry will look nothing like today’s.

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting topic or have specific business needs, schedule a personal consultation with us!