In today’s rapidly evolving utility landscape, the intersection of geospatial technology, asset management, and digital transformation is more critical than ever. As utilities navigate challenges such as grid modernization, data integration, and operational efficiency, leaders with a deep understanding of these domains play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future.
One such leader is Joel Stevens, an expert in utility technology and geospatial solutions, who brings more than 20 years of experience working across engineering firms, utility construction organizations, and technology service providers. Now serving as Utilities Delivery Director at Techwave, Joel has dedicated his career to leveraging data, analytics, and digital solutions to enhance utility operations.
In this Energy Central Power Perspectives Expert Interview, Joel shares insights from his career journey—starting as a GIS Technician and progressing through leadership roles in asset management, geospatial technology, and operational strategy. He discusses how utilities can integrate geospatial services, engineering, software development, and field services to drive efficiency. Additionally, he offers a glimpse into emerging trends such as AI, IoT, and digital grid transformation—and what utility professionals should do to stay ahead.
Join us as we explore Joel’s expert perspective on the power of data-driven decision-making, the role of digital services in modern utilities, and the future of grid intelligence.
Matt Chester: You have over 20 years of experience in the utilities and geospatial field, working with both engineering firms and utility construction organizations. Can you walk us through your career path and how you reached your current role as Utilities Delivery Director at Techwave?
Joel Stevens: Certainly, I'd be happy to.
I’ve had the privilege of working in the electric and gas utility industry for over two decades, and my journey has really been shaped by my passion for combining geospatial data and technology to drive operational improvements within the utilities sector.
I started my career in the utility industry as a Geospatial Information Systems Technician. My role was to support the integration of geographic data to better manage utility assets. Over the years, I progressively took on more responsibility, growing into Team Leader and Supervisor positions, where I led efforts to maintain data integrity and compliance with GIS standards, focusing on asset data and building out the foundations for better data governance. This experience really sparked my interest in combining asset management with advanced geospatial technologies, especially as we started exploring ways to enhance our visibility into grid operations.
As my career progressed, I took on more strategic leadership roles. I transitioned into a Manager role, overseeing Geospatial Technology & Data Integrity at Xcel Energy. Here, I led initiatives that improved data quality and asset integrity across our GIS, SAP, and other enterprise systems. This position also allowed me to interact more with advanced grid intelligence and security projects, where we used GIS data to support grid visibility and control initiatives.
My experience managing asset data to support utility operations eventually led me to multiple roles in operations where I led distribution design teams working directly with our customers and the construction and maintenance crews and contractors. Later, transitioning into leading internal cross-functional consulting teams to align and support technology solutions with business needs. I was responsible for defining operational technology strategies, working closely with distribution operations leaders and IT to ensure that the technology solutions supported business needs.
Later, I returned to my roots as the Director of Geospatial Asset Data. In this role, I oversaw the development and management of critical asset databases, driving the integrity and quality of asset data across the enterprise. I worked closely with senior leaders to implement data-driven decision-making processes and championed the use of asset data analytics to improve operational performance. This also allowed me to lead significant technology improvements and drive strategic decisions around data management.
Finally, I made the transition to my current role as Utilities Delivery Director at Techwave, where I now lead a team providing end-to-end solutions for utilities, engineering firms, and construction organizations. I manage a diverse portfolio of services, including GIS technology and data services, engineering solutions, software development, data management, and field solutions. My team’s work helps optimize operational efficiency and resource allocation, all while leveraging advanced technologies to support continuous improvement in the utility sector.
Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to creating collaborative environments and driving continuous improvement using data, technology, and industry trends. My leadership roles have always involved working across multiple business units, bringing together engineering, geospatial, and operational teams to deliver results. This approach has allowed me to build strong, high-performing teams and successfully implement technology strategies that drive business value. Each step along the way has been driven by my passion for improving utility operations through technology and data, and I’m excited about continuing to drive innovation in this space.
MC: With your expertise in areas like geospatial services, engineering, software development, and field services, how do you approach integrating these different elements to ensure efficient delivery of utility solutions?
JS: In my experience, integrating geospatial services, engineering, software development, and field services requires a holistic approach where all components work in synergy to deliver efficient and scalable utility solutions. My first step is always to align each of these domains with the business goals and operational needs of the utility, ensuring that the technical capabilities support the strategic vision.
For example, geospatial data provides valuable insights into infrastructure placement, asset management, and environmental factors, which engineers use to design and optimize utility systems. From a software development perspective, creating integrated platforms that allow real-time access to geospatial data, engineering schematics, and field operations allows all stakeholders to collaborate effectively.
In field services, ensuring that mobile and cloud-based solutions are tightly integrated with the back-end systems is critical for ensuring real-time data flow between technicians in the field and decision-makers in the back-office. I also focus on continuous feedback loops between teams, enabling them to monitor performance, refine processes, and optimize workflows. Fostering collaboration across these diverse domains ensures that each element works together to streamline processes, minimize downtime, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
MC: You’ve led projects focused on data management, analytics, and technology consulting for utilities. Can you share examples of how you’ve used data and analytics to improve operational efficiency for your clients?
JS: I led a project to modernize asset management, overcoming inefficiencies in data collection, high operational costs, and slow response times. The company faced challenges with outdated, paper-based systems, lack of real-time data, and fragmented record-keeping, which hindered decision-making and delayed incident responses. By integrating enterprise systems and creating mobile field solutions for real-time data capture, and deploying dashboards for data visualization, the organization achieved a more resilient, data-driven network. These solutions ensured accurate, up-to-date asset information, streamlined workflows, improved resource allocation, and enabled faster incident response, all while enhancing compliance with industry regulations and reducing operational costs.
We have been designing, developing, and delivering Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications aimed at enhancing asset management and operational efficiency for electric utilities. Our solutions focus on the asset recognition and classification of poles and related electric distribution assets, alongside privacy protection of personally identifiable information (PII) in images. Additionally, we have trained multiple AI/ML models using advanced object detection techniques to achieve more accurate results and developed solutions for real-time data visualization and reporting. These innovations have led to improved asset inventory accuracy, higher customer satisfaction through proactive maintenance, and optimized business operations. Ultimately, our solutions enable quicker identification and resolution of defects during outages, driving efficiency and minimizing service disruptions.
In another project, we deployed an IoT-based data collection system across a utility’s network. We developed an intelligent condition monitoring platform that enables real-time monitoring of assets, addressing key challenges like inefficient operations and the lack of real-time and historical data for maintenance planning. By leveraging an IoT data hub, we aggregated data from various sources, enabling seamless integration for efficient data processing. The solution also utilized advanced analytics and interactive reporting, empowering proactive decision-making. By incorporating multiple leading technologies, we ensured secure and efficient data management and user access. This intelligent, data-driven approach led to over 50% productivity enhancement for frontline engineers and operators, minimized unplanned downtime, and improved reliability.
MC: What industry trends do you believe will have the most significant impact on utility companies in the next five years? Specifically, how do you see technologies like GIS, advanced data management, and digital services transforming utility operations in the near future?
JS: In the next five years, I believe there will be three key trends that will significantly shape the utility industry:
- Digitalization and Smart Grid Technologies: The transition to smart grids, which incorporate real-time data and predictive analytics, will continue to accelerate. These grids can dynamically manage electricity flows based on demand and supply fluctuations, improving grid reliability and reducing energy loss. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) will play a critical role in mapping, monitoring, and managing the physical infrastructure of these grids, ensuring that utilities can optimize asset placement, maintain infrastructure, and quickly identify areas at risk.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making and Advanced Analytics: With the increasing volume of data generated by IoT sensors, utility companies will rely more on advanced data analytics to derive actionable insights. This will go beyond just predictive maintenance and move into areas like dynamic pricing, customer segmentation, and energy efficiency optimization. Utilities that invest in robust data management systems will have a competitive advantage by making more informed, real-time decisions.
- Decentralization and the Rise of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): As consumers increasingly adopt solar panels, electric vehicles, and home energy storage systems, utilities will need to integrate these decentralized energy sources into their grid management strategies. Digital services will play a key role in enabling real-time communication between consumers and utility operators, allowing for a more flexible and resilient grid. GIS and data management will support the integration of these resources by mapping DERs and managing their impact on the grid.
Data, and specifically GIS asset data, is central to the success of these technology advancements being successful. Advanced data management and digital services will enable utilities to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and deliver enhanced service to their customers. They will also foster innovation, providing utilities with the ability to better forecast demand, improve maintenance schedules, and adopt more sustainable practices.
MC: If you could offer one piece of advice to utility professionals looking to enhance their operations through technology and innovation, what would it be?
JS: My advice would be to embrace a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, particularly when it comes to emerging technologies. The utility sector is undergoing rapid transformation, and staying ahead of the curve is essential. This means not only adopting new technologies but also investing in the training and development of your team to ensure they understand how to leverage those tools effectively.
Additionally, I would encourage utility professionals to focus on data as a strategic asset. Establishing a strong data management foundation early on will pay long-term dividends, especially as more real-time and predictive analytics tools become available. Data is the backbone of smarter, more efficient operations, and the ability to harness it for insights can dramatically improve decision-making and operational performance.
Finally, keep an eye on digital transformation as an enabler for better customer engagement. With digital tools, utilities can offer personalized services, provide proactive communication, and create new business models that align with customer needs. The most successful utilities of the future will not only be technologically advanced but also deeply customer centric.
MC: What made you excited about getting more involved with the Energy Central community? What do you hope to gain and what value do you hope to share with your fellow community members?
JS: I’m excited to be more involved with the Energy Central community because it provides a unique platform for collaboration among professionals from across the energy and utilities sector. The opportunity to engage with thought leaders, exchange ideas, and stay up to date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry is something I highly value.
What excites me most is the potential to contribute to discussions on how emerging technologies and data-driven solutions can transform utility operations. I have a strong background in data management, GIS, and field services, and I hope to share insights on how these areas can be integrated to drive operational efficiency, improve customer outcomes, and advance sustainability goals.
At the same time, I look forward to learning from others in the community, particularly in terms of how utilities are approaching challenges such as energy transition, grid modernization, and customer engagement. By engaging with peers who have diverse expertise and experience, I hope to gain new perspectives and stay on the cutting edge of technological developments.
Ultimately, I believe my contributions can help foster innovation and collaboration, leading to more sustainable and efficient practices in the utility sector.
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Thanks to Joel for joining me for this interview and providing a wealth of insights and expertise to the Energy Central Community. You can trust that Joel will be available for you to reach out and connect and ask questions as an Energy Central member, so be sure to make him feel welcome when you see him across the platform.
Other expert interviews in this series can be read here, and if you are interested in becoming an expert, you can reach out to me or apply here.