3 Benefits of Real-time Data in Energy Risk Management

Vince Dawkins, president and CEO of Enertia Software, outlines the energy industry’s risk challenges, including volatile prices, environmental regulations and global events, and explains in-depth how real-time data mitigates them.

Data, irrespective of the industry, lends clarity. It empowers leaders and organizations to approach situations with an informed and balanced perspective.

The energy sector is no exception. According to BloombergNEFOpens a new window , investment in the energy industry surged by 17% in 2023, reaching $1.77 trillion. Yet, there’s another dimension to analyzing energy usage. 

Real-time data, a precious resource, can measure many of energy’s essential elements as they occur, beyond just usage. It enables energy firms to identify, manage, and potentially alleviate risks for themselves and their customers. Plus, real-time data drives revenue. According to a recent report, predictive analytics’ estimated market value will reach US$61.9 billion in 2032.

Energy Industry Risk Management Challenges

 Before we dive into some of the benefits of risk management, let’s discuss some potential hurdles. The energy sector faces the most challenges in risk management due to the following:

• Volatile commodity prices: The volatility of the energy sector presents unpredictability for both employees and leaders. Resources like oil, gas, and electricity are susceptible to market fluctuations and are typically affected by global events, supply and demand dynamics, and weather conditions. Given the sensitive nature of these commodities, risk management becomes increasingly challenging.
• Global events: When sourcing from various countries, energy buyers are at the mercy of geopolitical tensions. Trade policies, sanctions, and political conflicts that hinder supply chains can interfere with risk management strategies.
• Renewable energy adoption: The transition to renewable energy, though inevitable, carries risks related to technological integration, policy changes, and market dynamics.
• Environmental regulations: The focus on sustainability, driven by new environmental regulations, requires greater diligence due to compliance and operational and reputational risks.

It is vital to monitor these challenges closely and consider multiple factors. Real-time data offers immediate clarity, enabling an informed approach to tackling challenges. 

The Technology That Drives Data Collection

In the energy sector, data is gathered from diverse sources such as smart meters and IoT devices. The application of big data analytics to this real-time energy data is transformative, enabling the identification of patterns and prediction of trends. This process is crucial for making informed decisions, optimizing operations, and effectively responding to the dynamic nature of the market.

Further enhancing risk management in the energy sector are AI and machine learning. These technologies are instrumental in forecasting demand, predicting equipment failures, and advising on optimal responses to market changes, thus reinforcing decision-making and operational resilience. 

Additionally, geographic information systems (or GIS) play vital roles in mapping and analyzing spatial data. This is particularly important for identifying areas at risk, planning infrastructure, and responding efficiently to natural disasters. In parallel, advanced weather forecasting technologies are indispensable, especially for managing risks associated with renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, as they enable more precise predictions and better-informed decision-making.

See More: Combatting AI Energy Consumption through Renewable Sources

Fine-tuning Energy Risk Management with Real-Time Data

In a December 2022 study done by McKinsey, 58% of risk executives cited poor data quality as a significant data-related risk. Real-time data and energy data analysis provide the immediate information energy executives need to foresee and mitigate future risks.

Here are three benefits that real-time analytics offers to energy decision-makers:

1. Enhanced efficiency and sustainability

Real-time data’s role in enhancing efficiency and sustainability in the energy sector is substantial. By offering immediate insights, it empowers leaders and decision-makers to respond swiftly to various sustainability challenges. This timely access to data is crucial in identifying areas of energy waste and inefficiency. Once these areas are pinpointed, organizations can implement more sustainable and greener practices.

Consider Vistra Energy. This company harnessed artificial intelligence across its power-generation facilities to enhance efficiency and cut carbon emissions. By implementing over 400 AI models, Vistra refined operational decision-making, achieving an average efficiency boost of one percent across 67 power-generation units. This strategy led to savings exceeding $23 million and facilitated the reduction of approximately 1.6 million tons of carbon annually, propelling Vistra closer to its carbon-reduction targets for 2030.

This proactive approach not only leads to more efficient energy use but also contributes significantly to a company’s sustainability goals. By reducing waste and optimizing energy use, companies can minimize their environmental footprint, align with global sustainability standards, and meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly practices.

 2. Improved forecasting ability

The utilization of real-time data significantly improves forecasting abilities within the energy sector. Though, indeed, real-time data cannot predict the future, it provides a crucial snapshot of current conditions and trends. This contemporary insight is invaluable in constructing predictive models that can anticipate future scenarios with greater accuracy.

 These predictive models, bolstered by the depth and immediacy of real-time data, enable energy companies to conduct more robust and nuanced risk assessments. They can foresee potential issues in energy supply and demand, anticipate market fluctuations, and prepare for operational challenges. This foresight is particularly helpful in an industry where conditions can change rapidly and have far-reaching implications.

 3. Sharper competitor insights

Data transcends beyond just reflecting a company’s internal status; it serves as a window into the actions and strategies of competitors. By analyzing real-time market trends, energy consumption patterns, and operational efficiencies, companies can gain a comprehensive understanding of where they stand in comparison to their competitors.

GE Power, which generates 30% of the world’s electricity, has adopted artificial intelligence and machine learning to boost its production capacities and improve its marketing approaches. Utilizing AI as a fundamental component of its operations has greatly enhanced its insight into market dynamics, enabling more accurate decisions that enhance operational efficiency and marketing strategies.

This level of insight is critical in identifying both opportunities and potential vulnerabilities within the market. Companies can assess how their strategies and performance measure up against others, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and innovation. Furthermore, real-time data can reveal emerging trends in the industry, showing how competitors are adapting and what new technologies or practices they are adopting.

 By leveraging these insights, companies can make strategic adjustments to enhance their competitive edge. This could involve adopting new technologies, reevaluating pricing strategies, or improving customer service.

 As the energy industry evolves, managing risks remains a priority for leaders. Real-time data will keep you ahead of the curve and ready for future challenges.

 Does real-time data analysis serve as a crucial tool in your workplace, and how has it helped energy leaders? Let us know on FacebookOpens a new window , XOpens a new window , and LinkedInOpens a new window . We’d love to hear from you!

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