Boutique advisory for utilities

Strengthening Capital Predictability for Utility Leaders.

We combine project controls expertise with advanced analytics and practical AI to identify recurring forecast movement patterns, exposure concentration, and emerging volatility—so leaders can act earlier with confidence.

Not a software vendor. A governance intelligence partner layered on top of your existing tools.
Forecast evolution analysis
Exposure concentration
Change order themes
Executive-ready insights

Services

Our services are designed to fit utility realities: limited time, complex portfolios, and the need for executive-ready clarity.

How We Strengthen Capital Predictability

We support utilities across three reinforcing dimensions:

1. Reporting Clarity
Enhancing forecast transparency and executive-level reporting discipline.

2. Portfolio Behavior Insight
Analyzing how forecasts evolve across cycles to detect recurring adjustment patterns and exposure concentration.

3. Predictability Governance
Advising leadership on where predictability risk is building and what structural actions improve capital stability.

Capital Predictability Diagnostic

6-week assessment to reveal forecast evolution patterns, exposure concentration, and governance blind spots.

  • Export-based data intake
  • Portfolio pattern analysis
  • Executive memo + actions

Monitoring Pilot

Quarterly portfolio reviews that track predictability signals and recurring themes—so issues are seen earlier.

  • Pattern recurrence detection
  • Early acceleration flags
  • Leadership briefings

Advisory Retainer

Ongoing governance intelligence partner supporting leadership cadence, board prep, and continuous improvement.

  • Quarterly/Monthly reviews
  • Executive reporting support
  • Prioritized improvement roadmap

Why we’re different

Utilities already have tools. What’s often missing is cross-portfolio interpretation and actionable governance insight.

Most organizations focus on what changed this month. We examine how forecast behavior is trending across cycles and across the portfolio. “How is forecast behavior trending across the portfolio over time?” That system-level lens strengthens governance without replacing internal reporting functions.

Governance-first, not technology-first.

We lead with project controls and capital governance expertise. Analytics and AI accelerate insight—our recommendations remain grounded in utility execution reality.

Low integration, low friction.

We layer on top of your existing systems using structured exports. No ERP replacement. No platform swap. Faster time-to-value.

Interpretation over visualization.

Dashboards show status. We interpret forecast evolution and exposure patterns—and translate them into executive actions and governance improvements.

Boutique speed and focus.

Focused scope, clear outcomes, and rapid delivery—built for busy leaders who need clarity without disruption.

How we use AI

Practical AI is used selectively to accelerate insight—without turning your program into an IT project.

We apply advanced analytics and practical AI to accelerate pattern detection across large portfolios and narrative explanations. Interpretation and governance recommendations remain grounded in real utility execution experience.

Narrative clustering

Group variance notes, change-order descriptions, and closeout comments into recurring themes for faster root-cause visibility.

Pattern comparison

Identify projects or regions with similar forecast evolution behavior to highlight systemic exposure earlier.

Executive summaries

Draft executive-ready briefs from structured inputs—saving time while keeping final judgment with leaders and SMEs.

How it works

Simple, structured, and designed to minimize burden on teams.

1) Data intake

We agree on a minimal export set from existing tools (ERP, PM, controls, BI). No system changes required.

2) Analysis & insight

We run analytics and AI-assisted clustering to identify forecast movement patterns, volatility signals, and concentration exposure.

3) Executive outputs

We deliver a concise executive memo, prioritization list, and recommended actions aligned to governance cadence.

About us

Utility Insight Advisors is a boutique firm built by utility operators. We bring deep project controls and capital governance experience, enhanced with advanced analytics and practical AI to improve predictability without disruption.

Rishi Sadagopan, MBA — Partner

Rishi is a capital program executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience across the energy and utility sectors, specializing in project controls, enterprise PMO design, capital governance, and portfolio performance management. He has built and led Project Management Centers of Excellence, established enterprise-wide project controls organizations, and directed large-scale capital portfolios spanning electric generation, gas infrastructure, renewables, facilities, and IT. His work centers on strengthening capital discipline through structured forecasting frameworks, governance clarity, and executive-level performance visibility.

He has led project controls oversight across 58 major capital projects totaling 20GW and $13B, standardized lifecycle and estimating processes across business units, and enhanced executive decision-making through KPI-driven reporting frameworks and portfolio analytics. Having served in leadership roles at NiSource, PJM Interconnection, NRG Energy, and DTE Energy, Rishi brings both regulated and competitive market perspective. He focuses on advancing capital predictability, governance maturity, and long-term portfolio stability in complex operating environments.

Education: MBA — University of Michigan; MS — Virginia Tech; BS — IIT Madras.

Carl Lay, MBA — Partner

Carl is a senior Director of Project Controls and Analytics with over 30 years of experience across the energy, infrastructure, and capital project sectors, specializing in forecasting, financial modeling, cost governance, and enterprise performance management. With an undergraduate background in Biology and an MBA, he brings a scientific, data-driven lens to complex capital programs, integrating structured financial analysis with disciplined project controls execution.

He has led financial and analytical oversight across diversified portfolios including conventional and renewable energy construction, grid modernization, IT initiatives, and commercial real estate, with projects exceeding $2B in value. In addition to corporate leadership, Carl has co-founded and supported fintech and AI-driven ventures, contributing entrepreneurial insight into scalable business models and emerging technologies. He focuses on strengthening financial transparency, accountability, and capital performance outcomes through structured analytics and disciplined execution frameworks.

Education: MBA - University of Phoenix; BS - Rutgers University

Selected major capital project experience

Representative exposure includes large-scale generation, environmental retrofits, gas conversions, renewables, and battery storage projects across multiple U.S. states, including:

  • Solar PV and concentrated solar projects totaling 1,000+ MW
  • Gas conversions and peaker plants across multiple markets
  • Environmental compliance upgrades (SCR, FGD, DSI, ESP)
  • Battery storage installations
  • Asset retirements and deactivations

Total capital exposure: $12.8B+ across a 20,000+ MW portfolio.

Advisors

We are supported by experienced utility industry advisors who bring deep operational, regulatory, and leadership perspective.

Advisor 1

Extensive utility industry experience.

Advisor 2

Extensive utility industry experience.

Advisor 3

Extensive utility industry experience.

Our advisory network is currently being finalized. Advisory names and biographies will be announced soon.

Contact

Want a quick conversation to see if this fits your program? Email us and we’ll respond within 1 business day.

Email: contact@utilityinsightadvisors.comView the 6-week diagnostic

Partner emails:
Rishi@utilityimpactadvisors.com
Carl@utilityimpactadvisors.com