The document provides 10 predictions for the North American utility industry in 2009. It predicts that energy efficiency will become the top priority for utilities due to demand growth and policy mandates. Renewable energy growth will slow in 2009 but rebound in 2010 due to policy support. Utilities will emphasize distributed energy to support the grid. Intelligent grid technology spending will reach $70 billion by 2013. Web portals will be the fastest way for consumers to manage energy. Energy trading investment will decrease. Generators will focus on managing carbon exposure. Water scarcity and technology will impact the water market. Gas utilities will be hit harder than electric utilities by the recession. Overall US utility IT spending growth will decrease to 1.9% in 2009.

1. North America Utility Industry 2009 Top 10 Predictions

4. Business and Regulatory Environment A wild ride for energy prices Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2008