ESMIG’s mission is to support its members by representing the views of Europe’s smart energy solution providers on key European policy and regulatory issues and driving a green transition that fully empowers consumers. This is only possible with the help and support of our members. A very good reason to get to know them better!
We spoke with Luis Goncalves, CEO at Iskraemeco, to find out more about the company and their thoughts on the role of smart energy solutions.
What is your company’s mission?
Our customers call to us looking for effective energy and water management solutions. Iskraemeco offers a variety of professional services and powerful data management tools to assist with the integration of our smart solutions into existing business processes. We help utility businesses all over the world increase their efficiency, cut operating costs, and provide better customer service by utilising our smart metering technologies. We are committed to assisting our customers in mastering their digital transformation path by focusing on quality, reliability, and innovation.
In addition to this, we are also committed to assisting our customers in mastering their digital transformation path by focusing on quality, reliability, and innovation as well as building a sustainable offering for a better life.
What drove you to become an ESMIG member?
ESMIG is a vital organisation for the European energy market. ESMIG, of which Iskraemeco has been a member since its inception, was founded with the goal of connecting and uniting companies in the energy industry in their advocacy efforts toward the European Commission, promoting the benefits of technologies and solutions to advance the industry. Our common goal is to get the important messages across, influence and ensure that legal policies that are part of EU legislation are always in line with global developments and trends, and that the latest technologies are available to advance infrastructure and bring benefits to us all: businesses, utilities, industry, cities, and end-users.
As our business operates on mission critical infrastructure, it is important to influence and advise on how much to invest and what technology to use as it is crucial for each country’s independence and progress. At the same time, we are working hard to comply with all security and safety laws to achieve strategic independence.
We know that each corporation communicates on a limited bases with policy-making authorities within the EU so in working together within ESMIG, we can send a very powerful and unified message to make a positive impact.
How does ESMIG help your company to achieve your goals and support your company’s mission?
Working together within ESMIG and partnering with associations from other industries is of the utmost importance as we are all a part of a critical and expansive energy management value chain. As a member of the ESMIG, with a unified voice, it is considerably easier for Iskraemeco and fellow members to connect with European policy-makers. We are currently undergoing a time of change. We have all awoken in a new era known as the digital energy period, in which digitization of energy and data management are significant aspects. We have reached a point where we must ensure that all stakeholders understand the importance of smart meters and how the data we may acquire from them can have a big impact on data management and, consequently, energy management and energy consumption optimisation.
The industry’s highly regulated technological and operational requirements are an important area where such cooperation is essential. It is crucial that standards, technologies, solutions, and products are unified in all countries, as only then can businesses operate in multiple countries in a uniform manner and enjoy the advantages of low operational obstacles.
As one of the key benefits, we see opportunities to learn from one another and explore new opportunities together. This enables us to not only continue our personal development, but also drive the advancement of the energy industry as a whole.
Lastly, we believe it is our responsibility as members of the ESMIG to defend the European economy and companies against unfair competition and price dumping by non-European corporations.
What do you see as the biggest challenge and opportunity for the energy industry in Europe today?
The digitalisation of energy management is both a tremendous benefit and a huge challenge currently. Energy consumption accounts for 75% of carbon dioxide emissions, and our key goal is to reduce it. This can be achieved through multiple initiatives to increase energy efficiency, which can be done through the use of real-time data and improved energy management, as well as digital technologies that hold tremendous promise for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
We work in a mission critical industry that is changing rapidly. Everyone in the sector is on high alert as new business models are continually being developed, new companies are joining the market, and multiple mergers are unfolding. In such a dynamic climate, we have to make every effort to grow and evolve.
Where do you see smart energy solution providers making a difference in addressing these challenges?
Green and digital transformation will continue to be driven by standards, norms, and legislation. They will direct investments toward green-digital solutions, limit market power abuse, and secure new and elder generations’ technological compatibility.
In addition to economic activity, end-consumers will play a significant role in accelerating the green transformation. The degree to which people are willing to adapt to new experiences and alter their behavior in order to live a more sustainable lifestyle will have a significant impact.
In an ideal world…as energy and water are essential resources for the future of our society, the industry will continue to undergo a massive transformation. In the past two decades, not only governments but also the responsible stakeholders failed to act as they should have. Much was discussed, but little was done. For the advancement of our society, we each have not only a responsibility, but also an obligation to act. There is no future without change, increased commitment, and increased stakeholder involvement. Our Industry is capable of playing a substantial role but must also be more proactive. Occasionally, we are more so in the mode of following and should switch to the mode of driving and expressing more innovative ideas. We are all aware of the limitations of regulated markets and the implications of all stakeholders, opinion makers, and regulators, but the time has come for the industry to adopt a more active approach. We have extensive experience and are well-equipped to provide significantly more than merely being followers. Let’s get it done for everyone’s benefit!
Find out more about Iskraemeco and their activities on their website.