How digital transformation is reshaping the electric utility sector
Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s actively reshaping the electric utility industry. In a recent panel discussion, Powering the Digital Utility: Aligning Technology with Strategy, hosted by Bentley and Energy Central, moderator Mike Smith of KLN Group guided an expert panel through what it means to work smarter and more efficiently in today’s evolving energy landscape. Industry innovators shared practical strategies, real-world examples, and advanced tools such as AI-powered asset management and 4D safety modeling.
We’ll go through the key insights from that conversation in this blog. For a deeper dive and to hear the full discussion, watch the complete webinar here.
Voices from the grid: Utility experts driving innovation
The event featured industry leaders whose work is driving real change. Their leadership and impact have been recognized at Bentley’s 2025 Year in Infrastructure and Going Digital Awards event:
Alex Richards, President at Aquawolf
As a founding employee and president of Aquawolf, headquartered in Colorado, Richards specializes in structural analysis for transmission and distribution assets. His team leverages advanced imaging and AI to automate complex modeling, making pole replacement decisions more accurate and cost-effective. Aquawolf’s innovative approach to automating PLS-CADD modeling, which reduces unnecessary pole replacements and streamlines data collection, earned them a Founder’s Honor at the 2025 Going Digital Awards.
Don Tesselhoff, 4D Specialist at BAM Infra Netherlands
Tesselhoff leads the implementation of 4D construction workflows at BAM Infra Netherlands. His expertise was central to the Mainstation Schiphol project at Amsterdam Airport, a complex substation build with tight timelines and unique engineering challenges. BAM’s use of SYNCHRO for 4D modeling and virtual safety walks, now standard practice for large projects, was recognized as a finalist in the transmission and distribution category at the 2025 Going Digital Awards.
Joe Travis, Senior Director of Solution Engineering at Bentley
With over 30 years in infrastructure software, Travis helps utilities implement solutions and align technology strategies with long-term business goals. He is a strong advocate for the importance of clean, well-governed data as the foundation for digital transformation.
Key insights from the panel discussion
Data quality is foundational
“For the design, the analysis, the operations, the maintenance, [and] the AI learning, it’s all about the data.” – Joe Travis
High-quality data is essential for digital transformation. Technologies like AI and digital twins only work as well as the data they’re built on. Poor data leads to costly rework and delays. Travis highlighted the risk of losing valuable knowledge as experienced workers retire, making it crucial to also capture and share this information. To address these challenges, the industry is moving toward open systems and formats, ensuring everyone can access reliable, up-to-date information.
AI and automation in action
“Replacing a single wood transmission pole can cost around USD 150,000 […] we automate PLS-CADD modeling from 3D survey data to avoid unnecessary replacements.” – Alex Richards
AI is now delivering real results by automating manual tasks and boosting efficiency. Richards shared how his team uses AI and photogrammetry tools to quickly capture and classify 3D data of power lines. This process creates highly accurate models, allowing utilities to identify and replace only the poles that truly need it, saving significant time and costs.
4D modeling improves safety and coordination
“We organized a 4D virtual safety walk […] [we] addressed possible incidents and identified several safety hazards.” – Don Tesselhoff
4D design adds the dimension of time to 3D models, enabling teams to visualize construction sequencing and improve planning, coordination, and safety. On the complex substation project at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, Tesselhoff’s team used a 4D model to rapidly integrate design and schedule changes, clearly communicate the timeline to the client, and proactively flag hazards, equipment clashes, and logistical issues before work began.
The future of utilities: Interoperability, safety, and resilience
“We’re entering a new era […] we’re facing major challenges and now we have we have tools and technology to face those.” – Alex Richards
The panel’s consensus was clear: pair modern tools like PLS‑CADD, SYNCHRO, and digital twin technology, with strong data governance and an open, interoperable culture to plan and build safer, smarter, and at scale. Make safety‑first practices such as 4D virtual safety walks standard, lean into AI, and push vendors on interoperability to move faster. Aligning digital technology with strategy isn’t optional, it’s how utilities will deliver a safer, more resilient, and future‑ready grid in today’s evolving energy landscape.
Explore what’s next for electric utilities
Discover how innovators like Aquawolf and BAM Infra are using Bentley solutions to modernize the grid. Learn more about Bentley’s electric utility solutions for AI-powered design, 4D modeling, and resilient infrastructure planning.
