Reclaiming Balance
Elizabeth Cook is Vice President for Technical Strategy at the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies.
The journey from survival to overconsumption reflects a universal struggle for balance, whether on a micro-level in our personal lives or at the macro-level in industries like energy. Initially focused on providing power to fulfill fairly modest human and societal needs, the energy sector now faces the challenges of excess as customer demand continues to rise in order to satisfy energy overconsumption.
By examining the spectrum from survival to overconsumption and its consequences, utility companies can recognize the need to realign with their foundational purpose – delivering reliable, resilient energy. However, achieving this reset requires intentional investment in the operational workforce, fostering innovation, collaboration, and community stewardship as cornerstones of progress.
Utility companies were established to provide reliable power to homes and businesses to meet essential needs. In this early stage, the industry’s purpose was clear: ensuring energy was accessible, affordable, and dependable.
This focus reflected the survival phase, where basic needs drive actions. Utilities operated with purpose and clarity, grounded in their mission to serve communities. Employees, too, were deeply connected to this mission, aligning their work with the essential goal of powering lives.