STUDY: Energy Leaders Rank Integration of Distributed Generation as Top Challenge of Next Five Years; Utilities Taking Action to Shape Impact of Less Centralized Grid

BURLINGTON, MA--(Marketwired - Jun 6, 2014) - Results of primary research conducted among 200 energy leaders by DNV GL (formerly DNV KEMA, GL and Garrad Hassan) announced today at the Utility of the Future Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. reveal that utilities seem largely accepting of an energy future characterized by increasingly distributed forms of energy generation and storage -- and that they are taking action to ready themselves and shape the outcomes.

Asked, "What is the most significant challenge facing the utility industry over the next five years?" forty percent cited "interconnection of distributed generation." Thirty-two percent cited "lack of clarity in national energy and environmental policies."

Hugo van Nispen, Executive Vice President, Global Energy Advisory, DNV GL said, "We're seeing a significant shift in the power sector today, prompted in part by changes in policy around clean energy and by new technical capabilities. The survey results confirm this observation. This shift will have significant implications for how we produce and deliver power in years to come, and will most likely disrupt existing business models."

The survey, conducted from April to May 2014, found that a majority in the industry appear to be preparing to acclimate to potentially disruptive forces, particularly through adoption of new technologies. Van Nispen said, "We're seeing significant potential to innovate. However, changing technology creates challenges and utilities will likely need regulatory support to adapt."

According to the report, "The key policy issues on the minds of many are the impact of net metering and distributed generation interconnection, greenhouse gas (GHG) and emissions control and the evolution of the competitive retail markets. Together, over 78% of respondents believe these policy or regulatory advances will have the greatest impact on the industry's evolution by 2020."

The Utility of the Future Pulse Survey provides a baseline for measuring change in energy industry attitudes. DNV GL plans to conduct a similar annual study tied to its Utility of the Future Leadership Forums. The results are revealed first and discussed by participants in the annual forum and continue on Twitter via #UofFPulseSurvey.

Download the full Utility of the Future Pulse Survey Report at www.dnvgl.com/UofFPulseSurvey2014.

DNV KEMA is now DNV GL.

About DNV GL
Driven by its purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organisations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. DNV GL provides classification and technical assurance along with software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. It also provides certification services to customers across a wide range of industries. DNV GL, whose origins go back to 1864, operates globally in more than 100 countries with its 16,000 professionals dedicated to helping their customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.

In the Energy Industry
In DNV GL we unite the strengths of DNV, KEMA, Garrad Hassan, and GL Renewables Certification. DNV GL's 3,000 energy experts support customers around the globe in delivering a safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy supply. We deliver world-renowned testing, certification and advisory services to the energy value chain including renewables and energy efficiency. Our expertise spans onshore and offshore wind power, solar, conventional generation, transmission and distribution, smart grids, and sustainable energy use, as well as energy markets and regulations. Our testing, certification and advisory services are delivered independent from each other. Learn more at www.dnvgl.com/energy