News

Hyper-Convenience: The New Standard for Utility Customer Experience

Customer expectations continue to change rapidly, and utilities now operate in a world where convenience is no longer a differentiator but a requirement. Hyper‑convenience describes a customer experience that is fast, simple, seamless, and available on the customer’s terms. What began as a trend in retail and technology has expanded across every industry, including energy. Utilities that embrace hyper‑convenience strengthen relationships, reduce friction, and build trust…

Yusuf Jiwajee: New VP of Sales and Marketing

Toronto, ON, July 28, 2026. Advanced Utility Systems promoted Yusuf Jiwajee to Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Jiwajee has been with Advanced for 17 years, most recently as Vice President of Customer Success and Technical Services, Client Support, working closely with utilities across North America and the Caribbean. In that role, Yusuf Jiwajee earned a reputation for staying close to clients and understanding the day-to-day…

Cloud Architecture Decisions in Utility Procurement

Why Infrastructure Model Matters More Than Most Contracts Acknowledge Municipal utilities face a convergence of pressures making software modernization both urgent and consequential. Aging SCADA systems, enterprise asset management platforms, and customer information systems built before 2003 are approaching or have lapsed into end-of-life conditions. Workforce transitions are accelerating as experienced operators retire, taking institutional knowledge with them. Federal cybersecurity mandates from EPA and CISA have…

The Utilities Workforce Cliff Is Here

Utilities across North America are facing a workforce shift that is affecting how they operate, plan, and serve customers. Many organizations now plan for shorter employee tenure, increased retirement eligibility, and rising expectations from the communities they serve. The ideas below outline a practical, forward-looking approach to maintaining operational strength over the next five years. A Workforce Shift That Requires Planning The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency…

Advanced Utility Systems Gives Back

AGM Fundraiser Provides More Than 3,000 Meals Through Daily Bread Food Bank At Advanced Utility Systems, we believe that when people come together to help one another, we can build a stronger community. That spirit was on full display during our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June, when employees rallied in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank, one of Toronto’s leading organizations addressing food insecurity….

Creative Ways Utilities Are Gamifying Customer Engagement

Utilities have traditionally struggled to keep customers engaged beyond billing and outage notifications. Enter gamification, a strategy that transforms routine interactions into fun, rewarding experiences. By leveraging game mechanics like points, badges, and leaderboards, utilities can motivate customers to save energy, participate in programs, and build loyalty. Here are six creative gamification customer engagement strategies solving real utility challenges. Energy-Saving Competitions Customers often struggle to find…

Using Predictive Analytics in Utilities: Real-World Use Cases

Utilities face mounting challenges: aging infrastructure, unpredictable weather, and rising customer expectations. Traditional reactive maintenance is costly and inefficient. Predictive analytics, powered by AI and machine learning, is transforming utilities by enabling proactive strategies that reduce outages, optimize resource use, and improve the customer experience. Here are six real-world use cases that show how predictive analytics solves critical utility problems. Outage Prediction and Prevention Problem: Severe…

Future CIS Trends: What Utilities Need to Know

Staying ahead in the utility industry starts with understanding how customer information systems continue to evolve. New CIS capabilities give you more control over your operations and help you meet growing expectations for clarity, speed, and ease of service. When you know which CIS trends matter most, you can plan your next steps with confidence and build a system that supports reliable service and long‑term growth….

Bridging the Gap Between Utility Operations and Customer Communications

Utility billing and customer service teams are on the front lines of operational performance. Every day, they manage call volumes, resolve billing questions, and help customers navigate increasingly complex programs and rate plans. But behind many of these operational challenges lies a common factor: How effectively utilities communicate with their customers. “With proactive communications, utilities can educate and empower their customers,” says Brian Lindamood, Executive Vice…