This article was written by Daphne Tomlinson, Independent Senior Research Associate at Memoori. Competition is intensifying as European utility groups challenge players from the building automation, energy services and technical facilities management sectors in offering smart building technologies, software and services. The focus of investments is in two areas: 1. IoT solutions and software platforms for large C&I energy users. 2. Decentralized energy resources management, demand response and energy storage solutions closer to the customer. These initiatives have been ongoing for the last three years, as utilities aim to expand their business models beyond the meter and become complete solution providers for energy management. Two of our other articles cover previous developments – The Energy Sector Continues to Invest in Smart Building to Smart Grid Interface Software and Utilities Invest in Energy Software & Services for Commercial Buildings. Strategic partnerships and investments have recently been established by utility groups to gain greater access to the […]