ETS18: The Cloud CapEx versus OpEx

The Cloud: CapEx versus OpEx: The digitalization of the electric grid is driving adoption of new applications and software platforms supported by the cloud. What used to be an industry focused on capital expenditures for physical assets is transitioning to one focused on mission-critical Software as a Service (SaaS) technologies. How do utilities account for cloud-based software platforms leveraged by their organizations? Should it be a capital expense? Should it be an O&M expense?

Speaker:
Kim Schafer, Vice President, Industry Strategy and Marketing, Vertex [Moderator]
Brad Almond, Chief Financial Officer, Vertex
Rick Cutter, Managing Director, Cloud for Utilities
Mark Dombroski, Chief Finance Officer & Deputy General Manager, Austin Energy