Competing against $100 billion energy giants is no small feat. These corporations have decades of resources and infrastructure built into their DNA. But with cloud technology, smaller players are flipping this dynamic on its head. A lean energy startup, Conduit Power, under the leadership of Matthew Herpich, has bridged the gap by turning to Hitachi Energy and AWS for a cloud-based network management system. The results? Staggering.
They rolled out this solution in just six months, which is blazing fast compared to legacy systems. The cost? One-third of what an on-premises setup would demand. That’s a fraction of the budget, with no compromise on efficiency or capability. This move gave them the freedom to focus on what matters, running lean and smart while delivering real value to their customers.
More importantly, the cloud is a strategic enabler. When you can cut through legacy inefficiencies and operate at the speed of market demand, you’re positioned to succeed. This startup shows that you don’t need deep pockets to go toe-to-toe with the big players. You just need the right tech to punch above your weight.
“Cloud technology is turning what used to be insurmountable disadvantages into real competitive opportunities. That’s the new blueprint—lean, fast, and laser-focused.”
Cloud-based solutions for remote operations and cost-effective scaling
Energy grids are sprawling, intricate beasts. Managing them with physical IT infrastructure is insufficient. Cloud infrastructure changes the game entirely, offering centralized control of distributed assets without the exorbitant price tag.
In Conduit Power’s case, the choice to ditch fiber networks, which can cost tens of millions of dollars, in favor of a cloud-powered alternative paid off instantly. They sidestepped the massive expense of building out physical networks, avoided bloating their team with new hires, and achieved high-level disaster recovery and cybersecurity capabilities. That’s lean and scalable, all in one.
What’s truly impressive is how the system handles scalability. Growth is unpredictable, but with this setup, they can scale Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems on demand. No wasted resources. No overprovisioning. Just precise alignment with actual needs.
When you eliminate the logistical headaches of legacy systems, you free up resources to focus on innovation. Cloud-based operations mean the team can monitor and manage the grid from anywhere, react quickly to issues, and make data-informed decisions.
Cloud strategies boost disaster resilience
Hurricane Beryl was a stress test of epic proportions. Power outages blanketed Texas, and keeping customer plants operational became a top priority. Here’s where the cloud came to the rescue—literally.
Instead of sending operators on grueling drives across hundreds of miles to oversee recovery efforts, the team stayed put. From their homes, they logged into a web-based dashboard and managed everything remotely. They saved hours, avoided unnecessary costs, and—critically—kept families together during a federally declared disaster.
Maintaining uninterrupted operations during a crisis, without compromising employee well-being, is the kind of win that traditional setups can’t match. And for customers, the system delivered uninterrupted service when it mattered most. That’s what happens when you combine advanced technology with smart planning.
“This example is proof of concept. Cloud systems can be lifelines when the stakes are highest. Conduit Power kept the lights on and showed how operational efficiency can coexist with human-centered decision-making.”
Improved long-term flexibility and business growth
Growth without waste is the mantra of smart businesses in the digital age. For this energy startup, cloud infrastructure delivers just that. Instead of sinking millions into on-premises data centers, they’ve built a scalable system that grows alongside their needs. It’s smarter spending with minimal waste.
Currently, they’re managing power plants generating less than 100 MW. But scaling up? That’s not a problem. The cloud-based SCADA system is designed to expand seamlessly. When larger plants come online, the tech will rise to meet the challenge, no massive upfront investments required.
Capital that would’ve gone into physical infrastructure can now fuel innovation and expansion. Instead of worrying about whether their systems can handle tomorrow’s demands, they’re building for the future with confidence. This flexibility aligns resources with real-world needs, avoiding the pitfalls of overprovisioning or under-delivering.
In an industry often weighed down by legacy systems, Conduit Power’s case has shown what’s possible when you lean into the right tech. Growth becomes predictable, sustainable, and laser-focused on customer demands.
