PGandE Corporation - Enterprise Tech Ecosystem Series

PGandE Corporation - Enterprise Tech Ecosystem Series

Summary

PGandE Corp (PGandE) is an energy holding company. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity. The company produces power using nuclear, hydro, fuel cell, solar and fossil fuelsources. PGandE also procures power and electric capacity, including agreements for renewable energy resources. The company procures, transports and stores natural gas. PGandE has electric power systems in the Western Electricity Coordinating Council, the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, and parts of Mexico. It offers energy efficiency service sand energy management solutions. The company serves residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers in northern and central California.

In June 2018, PGandE partnered with Plug and Play Tech Center to gain access to more innovation opportunities. Plug and Play is a Silicon Valley-based start-up accelerator that provides a collaborative platform for start-ups and established businesses to share ideas and build sustainable business models. PGandE joined Plug and Play’s Energy program to explore innovative ideas and technology applications of start-ups participating in the accelerator. The shortlisted start-ups will work with PGandE employees to refine their product, learn about the industry, and support PGandE in delivering reliable, safe, and clean, and affordable energy solutions.

In 2016, PGandE partnered with FIRST Robotics and Playing at Learning with an objective to recognize and encourage talent in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As part of this initiative, PGandE decided to provide financial grant for students participating in robotics competitions as part of the mentorship programs organized by FIRST Robotics.

Launched in October 2019 by MouseBelt Blockchain Accelerator, which acts as an ecosystem for start-ups and students building blockchain projects, Blockchain Education Alliance, is an initiative which brings together industry players around blockchain education and research. In 2021 PGandE joined as one of the members in alliance, which combines internal resources, technical expertise and knowledge from various corporate innovation teams to accelerate the blockchain ecosystem in industry.

PGE Ventures, Polish Development Fund, SpeedUp Group, and National Center for Research and Development launched the SpeedUp Energy Innovation (SEI) fund as part of the BRIdge VC initiative. The primary goal of the fund is to make investments in start-up firms during their development and expansion phases. The fund has a PLN 60 million budget (approx. USD 13.4 million). SEI main objective is to work with  companies that are closely intertwined with the energy value chain of the PGE Capital Group as well as innovative firms with expansion potential.

This report provides insight into PGandE Corporation's digital strategies, including its digital transformation strategies, its innovation programs, its technology initiatives, its estimated ICT budget, and its major ICT contracts.

Scope

• As part of its Smart Energy Management program, PGandE is enhancing its grid efficiency by using distributed ledger technology (DLT) for tracking the custody of its various grid materials like steel reels, electric poles, transformers, and electric pipes. Blockchain technology enables PGandE to track assets in real-time, manage inventory, enhance response capabilities, and minimize related costs. PGandE also set up a Grid Edge team that focuses on exploring trends related to microgrids, electrification, and blockchain to modernize its power grid.
• In May 2018, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved PGandE’s two-to-five-year program proposal to support its initiatives dedicated to building public fast charging infrastructure for medium to heavy-duty fleets. PGandE operates Fleet Ready and Fast Charge Ready program for installation and maintenance of the electrical and connection infrastructure that serves electric vehicles. It is building Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) sites within its service territory.
• PGandE set up the Digital Catalyst team, a center of excellence for developing and deploying advanced digital solutions that optimize asset management procedures leveraging data science and advanced analytics. In 2016, the Digital Catalyst team launched Mobile Asset Inspection App to help PGandE’s electricity and gas field workers to carry out asset inspections. PGandE is using machine learning algorithms for asset maintenance and integration of distributed energy resources (DERs).

• Gain insights into PGandE Corp's tech operations.
• Gain insights into its digital strategies and innovation initiatives.
• Gain insights into its technology themes under focus.
• Gain insights into various product launches, partnerships, and acquisition strategies.