The Digital Grid Revolution: Insights from Ruben Llanes of Schneider Electric at DistribuTECH 2025

As the utility sector grapples with evolving energy demands, shifting priorities, and rapid technological advancements, grid modernization has reached a critical juncture. Speaking at DistribuTECH 2025, Ruben Llanes, CEO of Schneider Electric Digital Grid, shared his vision for a future where technology and collaboration converge to redefine grid operations.

The big picture: From addressing storm resilience to leveraging digital platforms, Llanes emphasized that success requires a sense of urgency and a pivot from hardware-dependent solutions to software-driven ecosystems. And with their major announcements at the DistribuTECH conference (including a collaboration with Itron and Microsoft, a $700 million investment in U.S.-based digital transformations, and the release of their One Digital Grid Platform), Schneider is walking the walk.

An Urgent Call for Change

We know there’s a need for urgent action to update our modern grid. After all…

80% of blackouts are attributed to extreme weather
Demand growth is accelerating 3.5x faster than it did in the past 50 years
Distributed energy resources (DERs) are expected to grow sixfold by 2030.

So? Llanes echoed the need for immediate action. The traditional approach of simply adding more infrastructure is no longer sufficient. Instead, utilities must embrace digital solutions that make the most of existing assets. "The world isn’t waiting for us," Llanes warned. "We need to lean into technology now—the grid revolution is not a someday imperative; it’s a present one."

Schneider Electric’s investments in domestic manufacturing and their new "Digital Grid" platform reflect this urgency, blending hardware capabilities with cutting-edge software tools to optimize resilience and operational efficiency.

Digitalization and Integration: The Backbone of Modern Grids

Llanes spoke extensively about the transformative power of digitalization. For example: Schneider Electric’s Digital Grid platform exemplifies the shift from siloed IT/OT (information technology/operational technology) solutions to interconnected systems that function like a smartphone’s operating system, enabling personalized and scalable applications. "With your first iPhone, would you have imagined calling a car or renting a house through an app?" Llanes posed to the audience. "We’re bringing that same type of ecosystem evolution to the grid."

The platform’s open and modular architecture supports hybrid cloud operations, enabling utilities to manage applications on-premises, in the cloud, or through a combination of both. It also addresses critical concerns like cybersecurity, incorporating zero-trust architecture principles and NERC CIP readiness to ensure secure operations.

The Role of AI and Data Management

While artificial intelligence and data often dominate conversations about grid innovation, Llanes was quick to cut through the buzz. For Schneider Electric, AI is a means, not an end. Their platform integrates 30 years of domain knowledge with AI capabilities, ensuring that solutions are purpose-driven and practical.

"AI should be applied only where it makes sense," Llanes asserted. "We’re not chasing hype, we need to instead demystify it. So, we’re focused on delivering tangible results for grid operators."

That’ll also require data quality and integration. Llanes noted that utilities are moving away from siloed data systems toward more unified and collaborative approaches. Through their Grid Data Hub, Schneider Electric allows utilities to integrate data from third-party sources, ensuring real-time updates and actionable insights. "The journey to break down IT/OT silos is well underway," Llanes said. "Utilities are realizing that data is the common thread tying their systems together.” And because of that the answer is clear: collaboration.

Balancing Resilience and Sustainability

Llanes emphasized that sustainability and resilience are not opposing priorities but complementary goals. Schneider Electric’s focus on innovation includes both hardware and digital solutions that enhance grid stability while supporting sustainability objectives.

"Resilience is the primary focus of most every utility," Llanes explained, "but it’s not mutually exclusive with sustainability commitments. To me, they both lead towards the same goal– a better grid."

A Vision for the Future

Concluding his session, Llanes left the audience with a call to action for utility leaders: embrace the digital grid revolution without delay. By leveraging existing technologies, fostering collaboration, and staying adaptable, utilities can navigate the dual challenges of load growth and modernization.

"This isn’t about a revolution—it’s an evolution," Llanes concluded. "We’re building a future that’s secure, connected, and ready for challenges we haven’t even imagined yet." As Schneider Electric continues to refine its Digital Grid platform and collaborate with utilities worldwide, Llanes’ message serves as a guiding principle for an industry at the cusp of transformative change.

What it comes down to according to Llanes and the Schneider team’s approach: 1) simplicity, 2) flexibility, and 3) reliability. These values underpin the company's approach to grid modernization. "Utilities are complex animals," Llanes acknowledged, "but if we distill their needs, these are the pillars we focus on. Our solutions deliver measurable benefits across all three themes.

All week, Energy Central is publishing our series of conversations from DistribuTECH 2025. You can see them all as they go live at this landing page.

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