2026 Event Schedule

Affordability is emerging as one of today's utilities' most urgent and complex challenges. Rising operating costs, regulatory pressures, and evolving customer expectations intensify the need to deliver services at a lower cost-to-serve—without compromising reliability or equity. This panel will explore how forward-thinking utilities use next-generation technologies to meet the moment.

From AI-powered analytics that pinpoint root-cause drivers of high cost-to-serve to innovative partnerships with payment technology vendors that streamline the bill-to-payment journey, attendees will hear real-world examples of how utilities reduce operating costs while enhancing customer experience. We'll also discuss how digital tools, predictive models, and advanced segmentation enable targeted assistance, improve energy equity, and build lasting customer trust.

Join us for this critical conversation on how technology, strategy, and leadership are converging to tackle the affordability conundrum and future-proof utility business models.

Key Takeaways

1) Explore how AI, predictive analytics, and segmentation tools help utilities identify and reduce cost-to-serve drivers while improving affordability outcomes.
2) Discover how partnerships with payment technology vendors transform the print-to-payment ecosystem to reduce friction and increase equity.
3) Learn practical strategies for balancing innovation, regulatory mandates, and customer needs to future-proof cost management efforts.