Powering the Future: Utility Leaders Bet Big on 5G

Utilities Are All About the Next Big Thing

Picture a group of utility companies holding a beach‑side barbecue, flipping burgers and, on a side table, a laptop flashing a new tech dashboard. Says everyone: “We’re ready to bite into the next cool tool.” A fresh Fujitsu report says 75% of utilities are the early adopters that hop on new gadgets faster than a kid on a new slide.

Early‑Bird Tech‑Crunch

Here’s what they’ve already grabbed:

3D printing (36%) – printing out everything from transformer coils to custom pipe fittings.
Artificial Intelligence (35%) – sorting usage data like a bored librarian.
Blockchain (34%) – securing contracts and licensing with a tamper‑proof ledger.
Robotics (34%) – automating maintenance checks faster than a coffee machine can brew.

Next‑Gen “That’s a Good Idea” Features

When they look ahead, it’s all about 5G. Eight out of ten utilities plan to hop into 5G within the next 1‑5 years. They’re equally optimistic that:

5G (47%) will reshape their operations.
AI + RPA (34%) will streamline internal processes.
Virtual Reality (24%) will bring the next level of employee training.

Technology: The Heart of Modern Utility Life

Three‑quarters of UK leadership says tech innovations have pushed their sectors in the right direction. 69% feel the changes are radical, and 96% are delighted. Most (71%) expect the momentum to pick up even faster.

“Utility leaders see themselves as early adopters,” says Graeme Wright, Fujitsu’s CDO for Manufacturing and Utilities. “But it’s not enough to just buy a shiny new tool; you need a game plan. That’s how you’ll truly get those efficiency upgrades, smarter data, and happier customers. And remember, every new connection comes with security risks. A breach could shut down essential services—no one wants that.”

Thinking Ahead When You Can’t Yet See It

Even with all this enthusiasm, many leaders admit a lack of crystal‑ball power. Six out of ten cannot predict what their customers will demand in five years. Likewise, 58% are unsure how the sector will look in that same timeframe.

Wright continues: “Utilities are in a constant race to innovate, cut costs, and win the customer’s wallet—while staying green. To stay ahead, they need not just tech but also the right talent. External experts can help you spot future trends, and a skilled internal crew will cement that roadmap for a sustainable, innovative future. The payoff? A brighter, smarter world for generations to come.”