Purchasing plays a critical role in shaping the future of electric utilities. Purchasing becomes increasingly central as utilities transition towards more sustainable and renewable energy sources. After studying the fundamentals of purchasing and supply management, it’s clear that purchasing professionals within electric utilities are pivotal in navigating the complexities of securing the necessary equipment, technologies, and services that drive innovation and sustainability. Purchasing’s expertise in strategic sourcing, contract management, and supplier relationships ensures that electric utilities can adapt to changing energy landscapes, invest in cleaner energy technologies, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable future. This class aims to comprehensively cover the multifaceted role of purchasing in the future of electric utilities, offering insights into how procurement professionals can contribute to and shape the sector’s evolution.
Get to know the instructor
Jonathan Childers Clinton Utilities Board
Jonathan currently serves as Supervisor of Administrative Services for the Clinton Utilities Board. This and many other roles in leadership and management have allowed Jonathan to develop real-life working expertise in the areas of Human Resources, Facilities Management , Safety, Procurement, Business Development, IT, Sales, & Recruiting. Having worked in the insurance, banking, computer, and utilities industries, Jonathan understands the needs and challenges today’s businesses are facing, and he brings a fresh, multi-faceted approach to helping companies employ effective management and business development strategies.
Jonathan is a native of Easley, SC and now resides in the Knoxville, TN area with his wife and their three teenage children.
**Introduction**
– Overview of the current state of the electric utility industry
– Importance of purchasing in the electric utility sector
– Objectives of the presentation
**The Evolving Landscape of Electric Utilities**
– Key trends shaping the future of electric utilities (renewable energy, decentralization, digitalization)
– Challenges and opportunities presented by these trends
– The role of purchasing in navigating these trends
**Strategic Sourcing and Innovation**
– How strategic sourcing can drive innovation within electric utilities
– Case studies of innovative purchasing practices (e.g., procurement of renewable energy, smart grid technologies)
– Identifying and partnering with innovative suppliers
**Sustainability and Ethical Purchasing**
– The critical role of purchasing in promoting sustainability within the electric utility sector
– Strategies for ethical sourcing and reducing the carbon footprint through procurement decisions
– Impact of regulatory changes on sustainable purchasing practices
**The Impact of Technology on Purchasing**
– Digital transformation in procurement (eProcurement, blockchain, AI, etc.)
– Benefits of adopting new technologies for purchasing (efficiency, transparency, cost savings)
– Future technological trends and their potential impact on purchasing
**Building Resilient Supply Chains**
– Importance of supply chain resilience in the context of electric utilities
– Strategies for risk management and ensuring continuity of supply
– The role of purchasing in building and maintaining resilient supply chains
**Leadership and Skills Development**
– Essential skills for future procurement leaders in the electric utility sector
– Leadership strategies for driving change and fostering innovation through purchasing
– Training and development approaches for procurement teams
**Conclusion**
– Summary of key points
– The strategic importance of purchasing in shaping the future of electric utilities
– Final thoughts and call to action for procurement professionals