Optimising Energy and Utility Systems Through Smarter Asset Management

A conversation with Tom Fletcher, Projective Engineering for the Industrial Talk Podcast with Scott MacKenzie

Rethinking Utilities in a Time of Rising Demand and Ageing Infrastructure

As energy demand continues to rise and infrastructure ages, utilities and energy‑intensive organisations are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reliability and sustainability, all without compromising service delivery. From electrification and data‑driven decision‑making to workforce capability and asset lifespan, the challenges facing utilities today are complex and deeply interconnected.

In this conversation, Tom Fletcher, Senior Project Manager at Projective Engineering, shares insights drawn from more than three decades working across industrial utilities, asset management and operations. His perspective highlights why smarter asset management, informed technology decisions and strong partnerships are becoming essential for utilities navigating an increasingly demanding landscape.

From the Plant Floor to Trusted Partner

Tom Fletcher’s career began as a mechanical engineer and developed through years spent in maintenance, capital projects and utilities leadership at large industrial sites. Over time, his role expanded beyond installing infrastructure to managing, operating and maintaining complex utility systems where reliability was critical.

Later experience working with a mechanical contractor added an additional perspective — how designs translate into delivered systems on site. After initially retiring, Tom joined Projective Engineering following several successful collaborations. What stood out was Projective’s practical, collaborative approach and deep understanding of utilities from an operational standpoint.

What Today’s Utilities Really Need from Engineering Partners

At Projective, the focus is not on offering generic solutions, but on acting as a trusted engineering partner. The first step for many clients is gaining clarity: understanding what assets they have, how well they are performing, and where risk exists across their utility systems.

Utilities operations are under constant pressure, and internal teams often lack the bandwidth or specialist knowledge to explore optimisation opportunities in depth. Projective works alongside clients to assess current performance, understand long‑term goals and identify practical, achievable improvements aligned to business priorities.

Electrification, Sustainability and the Growing Strain on Infrastructure

One of the most significant shifts impacting utilities is electrification. As organisations look to reduce their carbon footprint, they are moving away from fossil fuels in favour of electrically driven systems such as heat pumps and alternative heating technologies.

This shift inevitably increases electrical demand, often beyond what existing infrastructure was designed to support. Many organisations are now grappling with whether they have sufficient capacity, resilience and redundancy in place to manage future energy needs. These concerns span the entire system — from generation and substations through to distribution and on‑site assets.

Making Smarter Decisions About New and Emerging Technologies

Utilities face increasing pressure to adopt new technologies, from renewable generation and thermal solutions to emerging systems that promise step‑change improvements. The challenge lies in knowing when innovation genuinely adds value and when caution is the smarter approach.

Not every organisation has the same tolerance for risk. Projective helps clients evaluate options objectively, asking whether technologies are proven, suitable for the operating environment, and aligned with reliability requirements. In critical utility environments, being the first adopter is rarely the goal — informed, confident decision‑making is.

Turning Asset Data into Actionable Business Insight

Effective asset management is about more than tracking equipment age or condition. It requires understanding how assets support operations, where inefficiencies exist and what the consequences of failure would be.

A key challenge is communication. Technical teams are often deeply aware of asset risks, while financial and operational leaders need clear, business‑focused insight to support investment decisions. Translating asset health into risk, cost and impact enables better choices about maintenance, upgrades and capital investment.

Where AI Can Add Real Value in Utilities Operations

AI presents meaningful opportunities for utilities, particularly where large volumes of data exist. One example is the optimisation of major plant equipment such as chillers, where manual operation can lead to conservative running and reduced efficiency.

Used correctly, AI can analyse performance trends, predict maintenance requirements and identify inefficiencies earlier. However, it must be applied carefully. AI should support operators and asset managers by highlighting insights, not overwhelm them with alarms or replace experienced judgement.

People, Skills and the Future of the Utilities Workforce

Technology alone will not solve the challenges utilities face. Skilled, adaptable people remain essential. Yet staffing models have changed, and utilities cannot rely on traditional workforce structures or assume formal education is enough.

Developing capability now requires continuous learning, practical experience and exposure to evolving technologies. At the same time, the industry must do a better job of telling its story. Utilities may not appear glamorous, but the work is complex, impactful and vital to modern life. Attracting and developing the next generation is as important as investing in new systems.

Looking Ahead: Building Resilient, Efficient Utility Systems

Utilities are entering a period of unprecedented demand and complexity. Ageing assets, sustainability commitments and rising energy consumption require a more strategic and informed approach to asset management.

By combining engineering expertise, data‑driven insight and long‑term planning, organisations can improve efficiency, manage risk and ensure their utility systems are fit for the future.

You can listen to the full podcast episode to hear the complete conversation with Tom Fletcher.