As utilities work to balance reliability, risk, performance, and long-term investment needs, asset management is becoming more important than ever. When CEATI's Asset Management in Generation members gathered this spring, discussions focused on strengthening foundational asset management practices, improving risk-based decision-making, advancing digital capabilities, and addressing organizational challenges that impact successful program implementation.
The Spring 2026 Asset Management In Generation Virtual General Meeting brought together 52 utility members and industry participants representing 28 organizations. Over three days, members shared current initiatives, challenges, and priorities while exploring emerging trends shaping the future of generation asset management. Discussions covered topics ranging from governance and lifecycle planning to AI integration, workforce capacity, and organizational transformation.
Across the discussions, one theme stood out: successful asset management depends on combining strong organizational foundations with practical tools, reliable data, and consistent decision-making frameworks.
1. Strong foundations remain critical to asset management success
Many utilities are focused on strengthening the core foundations of their asset management programs by improving governance structures, strategic alignment, and standardized frameworks. Members discussed the challenge of translating asset management principles into consistent day-to-day practices while maintaining alignment across departments and organizational levels.
Building a strong foundation continues to be a priority for organizations seeking to mature their asset management programs and improve long-term outcomes. Supporting resources such as the AM Essentials Resource Center provide training and guidance designed to help asset management professionals develop and strengthen these core capabilities.
2. Risk-based decision-making is shaping investment strategies
A major area of focus was the integration of risk management and whole life cost methodologies into asset planning and investment decisions. Members shared experiences balancing risk, maintenance requirements, asset performance, and capital planning priorities while seeking more structured approaches to support long-term decision-making.
As utilities face increasing investment pressures, organizations are looking for ways to better connect risk, cost, and performance data to support transparent and defensible decisions. Related knowledge-sharing activities included Whole Life Cost Models for Generation Assets and the AMIG Benchmarking Panel Series Kickoff – Risk Management featuring SaskPower, Seattle City Light, and NS Power.
3. Data and digital capabilities are enabling smarter asset management
Utilities continue to invest in improving data quality, governance, and system integration to support more effective asset management practices. Members discussed how reliable asset information is becoming increasingly important as organizations adopt predictive maintenance programs, advanced analytics, and digital tools.
Artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies also generated significant interest, with discussions focused on practical implementation strategies, data readiness, and ensuring that digital solutions deliver measurable value. While technology continues to evolve rapidly, members emphasized that success depends on strong data foundations and clear business objectives.
4. Organizational challenges remain a key part of the equation
Asset management programs do not operate in isolation. Members highlighted workforce pressures, competing priorities, succession planning concerns, and organizational changes that can affect implementation success.
Discussions focused on strategies for building organizational support, improving decision-making consistency, and ensuring that asset management initiatives remain practical, sustainable, and aligned with business objectives. Members also explored lessons learned from organizations that have successfully integrated value-based decision-making frameworks into their asset management programs.
A recent benchmarking panel, Decision-Making & Value Frameworks: Consistency, Tradeoffs, and Investment Prioritization, provided additional insights into how utilities are addressing these challenges.
What do these trends mean for utilities?
The discussions throughout the Spring 2026 meeting reinforced a clear takeaway: successful asset management requires more than technical solutions alone. As utilities navigate evolving risks, workforce challenges, aging infrastructure, and increasing demands for value-based decision-making, they are seeking integrated approaches that connect people, processes, data, and technology.
While each utility's journey is unique, many of the underlying challenges are shared. Through collaboration, benchmarking, training, and knowledge exchange, utilities can strengthen their asset management capabilities and make more informed decisions that support long-term organizational goals.
Through the Asset Management in Generation program, members can leverage industry expertise, benchmarking opportunities, training programs, and collaborative projects to advance asset management practices and improve decision-making across their organizations.
CEATI thanks all members and participants for contributing to the Spring 2026 AMIG Virtual General Meeting and supporting valuable knowledge exchange across the industry.
Learn more about CEATI's Asset Management in Generation Program here. Interested in joining the conversation? Contact us about membership.
