Development and deployment dynamics of sustainability-driven innovations in the electric and energy utility industry

The purpose of this paper is to examine sustainability-oriented innovations within the electric and energy utility industry in US through the lens of innovation theory and obtain insights on the development and commercialization of sustainability-oriented utility innovations. This research focuses on the top MSCI ESG-rated U.S. utility companies and explores a mix of innovations and strategies that differentiate these top companies. The three emerging propositions from this study are the importance for companies to diversify their innovation portfolio, engage their customers, and establish an intrapreneurial culture. The conjoining of these three propositions offers an evaluation and decision making framework for the companies to maximize the efficacy of profitable and sustainable innovations at all levels and gain a competitive edge against their competitors.