In Focus: a spotlight on utilities by Axis

In Focus
A spotlight on utilities by Axis

Independent research explores how UK & Ireland utilities can unlock greater operational value from connected video technologies

Wind turbines in water next to motorway

82% of UK & Ireland utilities use security technology for protection, but 1 in 3 see business intelligence as its future.

New research from Axis Communications reveals an opportunity for utilities to unlock the wider value of visual data. While 82% use security technology for protection and incident prevention, 32% see business intelligence and analytics as offering the greatest future value over the next three to five years. As the sector faces growing pressure to manage costs, maintain critical infrastructure and improve performance, security technology can improve efficiency, identify issues earlier and support better-informed operational decisions.

Key findings at a glance

Security technology already plays an important role in utilities. But it’s clear – it can do more. Our research explores how 600 decision-makers across energy, water and oil and gas view the challenges facing their organisations, the role of technology today and its potential to deliver wider business benefits.

The In Focus Survey title

What does the research reveal?

82% stat

Security still core

82% use security technology for protection. Security remains a core application for network video and associated technologies across utilities.
1 in 3 stat

An intelligent future

32%, almost 1 in 3, identify business intelligence and analytics as offering the greatest future value from security technology in the next three to five years.
45% stat

Early detection is key

45% identify earlier detection of critical asset failures as a key benefit. Earlier identification of issues could help utilities plan interventions, improve asset reliability and reduce disruption.
34% stat

Remote monitoring gaps

34% identify gaps in remote-site monitoring. Network video and analytics can help improve visibility of critical infrastructure and identify potential issues without an on-site presence.

A focus on the segments

Across energy and renewables, 65% cite rising operational costs, while 34% report inconsistent monitoring across remote sites. In water and wastewater, 57% identify regulatory or compliance failures as a major resilience threat, with 36% seeing business intelligence and analytics as offering the greatest future value. In oil and gas, 75% cite rising costs, while 55% already use security technology to improve operational efficiency and productivity. 

Across all three segments, earlier detection of critical asset failures presents an opportunity to improve reliability and reduce disruption.

Let's zoom in text

Energy and renewables

  • 34% report no consistent monitoring approach across remote sites.
  • 44% identify critical asset failures as an area where earlier detection would deliver the greatest business benefit.
  • 42% identify deteriorating equipment performance and maintenance needs.

    Seeing deterioration sooner can help maintenance teams assess developing issues, prioritise interventions and make better use of resources. Network video, analytics and thermal imaging can complement existing monitoring systems, providing additional visual context across remote infrastructure.
Solar panels

Water and wastewater

  • 57% identify regulatory or compliance failures as a major resilience threat.
  • 64% identify third-party or supply-chain disruption as a major threat.
  • 36% see business intelligence and analytics as offering the greatest future value, the highest of the three segments.

    Connecting operational visibility with timely intervention and accountability is a key opportunity. Visual information can help teams verify events, support investigations and provide useful context for operational decisions.
Water treatment plant from above

Oil and gas

  • 75% cite rising costs as a key operational pressure.
  • 48% identify critical asset failures as an area where earlier detection would deliver the greatest business benefit.
  • 55% already use security technologies for operational efficiency and productivity, the highest of the three segments.

    For organisations already using security technology operationally, the opportunity is to extend its value. Visual context can complement existing systems to support maintenance planning, verification and responses to developing incidents.
Woman engineer at oil refinery

Video creates data. Data creates visibility.

Connected video systems play an important role in protecting people, sites and assets. But the same infrastructure can also provide valuable information to support wider operational objectives. By combining visual data with operational systems and specialist expertise, organisations can gain greater visibility, identify developing issues and make better-informed decisions. The opportunity varies across the utilities sector, from maintenance and asset reliability to compliance and operational efficiency. 

About In Focus

In Focus brings together research, industry insight and expert perspectives to explore how network technology can help organisations address specific challenges across key sectors.