Industry Insights

Saluting Our Customers: How Utilities and Cities are Responding to COVID-19 – Part Three

May 12, 2020

Around the globe, our customers are keeping the lights on, the water running and gas services safely connected in a time of crisis, all while giving back. In this blog series, we recognize the honorable actions utilities are taking to support their communities during this exceptional time.

Elektro:
Elektro is among the largest electricity distributors in Brazil, serving 228 cities in São Paulo and Grosso do Sul. Amidst COVID-19, Elektro is collecting donations for Transforma Brasil, a non-governmental organization that gathers volunteer initiatives. The donations will be used to assemble 125,000 baskets of goods and hygiene kits to deliver to families in need during this challenging time. To further support the campaign, the company signed a commitment to triple the amount collected internally. Elektro also joined five other companies in the power sector to raise funds for the production and acquisition of diagnostic test kits for COVID-19.

Enedis:
Enedis is the manager of the public electricity distribution network for 95% of mainland France. Recognized by public authorities, Enedis is among the “10 large exemplary companies which have set up accelerated payment for their suppliers.” The company has reduced payment times for small and medium-sized businesses to support their cash flow. To help healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Enedis has utilized the company’s 3D printing machines to make protective visors for caregivers. Enedis employees have also volunteered their time by participating in the “Red Cross at Home” initiative. They help at the Red Cross call center by facilitating orders (food, medicine, etc.) from individuals unable to leave their homes.

Singapore Power Group:
Singapore Power Group (SP) is a leading energy utilities company in Asia Pacific, owning and operating electricity and gas transmission and distribution businesses in Singapore and Australia. To support its staff and the community, SP will make a special, one-time payment of $1,500 to more than 400 of its frontline officers. SP is also encouraging employees to contribute to the SP Heartware Fund, which supports programs for senior citizens. The company will match dollar-for-dollar for all employee donations. As electricity consumption increases from more people staying at home to stop the spread of COVID-19, SP launched its newly enhanced carbon footprint calculator, called My Carbon Footprint. The tool enables individuals to be more aware of the environmental impact of their daily actions and adopt behaviors that save energy and money.

Stay tuned as we share additional inspiring stories of how our utility customers are promoting health, safety and hope during this challenging time. Read the previous blogs in this series, including part one and part two. .

By Mark de Vere White


Senior Vice President of Customer and Market Experience


With nearly 30 years of experience, Mark de Vere White has dedicated his career to working with utility and Fortune 1000 customers to deliver value, success and profitable growth. He has deep experience in sales, product marketing, go-to-market strategy and profitable general management of ongoing business operations. As Itron’s senior vice president of Customer and Market Experience (CME), Mark is responsible for leading Itron’s sales, marketing, channel management, business development, customer support and customer success activities across the full company portfolio. Previously, Mark was president of Itron’s Electricity business line where he and his team grew revenues from $600 million to over $1 billion a year and EBITDA performance from break even to 12.5% in just over three years. Prior to joining Itron, Mark oversaw consulting, support, hosting and account management at Silicon Energy. Before Silicon Energy, Mark was one of the first employees at market-leading CRM software provider Kana, where he held executive positions overseeing account management, consulting and support teams. Mark started his career in marketing, consulting and direct marketing in New York City. Mark received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Summa Cum Laude/Phi Beta Kappa.