Consulting

RWSmith ETC can help guide you through difficult decisions and projects.

There are many reasons to hire a consultant.

One is to bring in expertise that may not be present in your business. Not everyone can be an expert in everything. A consultant can provide that expertise.

Another is cost savings. When you hire a consultant, you pay only for the services that you need, when you need them. This can provide substantial savings over hiring a salaried employee with the same level of expertise to complete similar tasks.

Finally, flexibility. A great consultant can provide the assistance you need, without forcing you to take services you neither need nor want.

At RWSmith, we can assist you with consulting services to address these various needs. From creating training plans for professional development to writing requests for proposals to full-scale AMI and other projects, we are here to provide the help and expertise you need.

Additionally, a consultant is objective, with no emotional attachment to people or projects.

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Key Areas of Focus

  • Computer with graphics - Utility Software Selection

    AI Assisted Utility Software Selection

    With thirty-two years of industry experience at major utility software providers and as a consultant, RWSmith ETC brings a deep, insider-level understanding of how the software selection process should work—and how to make it work well for utilities of all sizes. Our services are designed specifically for small and mid-market utilities that need guidance with a flexible approach that allows utilities to choose the level of engagement.

    Utilities often face a daunting challenge when selecting new enterprise-wide or solution-specific software. The RFP creation process, vendor demonstration coordination, scoring, and final decision can feel overwhelming, especially for teams already stretched thin. RWSmith ETC simplifies this journey. We help utilities make the right decision, in the right way, through a structured, transparent, and tailored process.

    Many utilities don’t need a consultant to manage the entire project—they simply need direction, clarity, and a trusted partner who understands the vendor landscape and the pitfalls to avoid. That’s where we excel. Whether you need help shaping your RFP, structuring your evaluation criteria, preparing for demonstrations, or validating your final decision, we provide targeted support that fits your level of need.

    As an added advantage, RWSmith ETC is leveraging advanced AI technology to streamline the RFP creation and evaluation process. This approach saves countless billable hours, accelerates document development, and provides rich, data-driven insights to guide your utility toward the best possible outcome. The result is a more efficient process, a more confident decision, and a smoother path to implementation.

    RWSmith ETC offers a practical, cost-effective way to navigate one of the most important decisions a utility will make. With decades of experience, a utility-focused perspective, and modern AI-enhanced tools, we help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and a process you can trust.

  • Employee - Employee Development Planning

    Employee Development Planning

    Every organization depends on skilled, confident, and forward‑thinking employees. Yet most companies lack a structured approach to developing them. A professional development plan ensures employees continue to grow, sharpen their skills, stay current with industry trends, maintain certifications, and learn to work effectively as part of a team. When done well, this kind of intentional development becomes the foundation for cultivating the next generation of leaders.

    Despite its importance, only about 12% of companies nationwide have a formal or documented professional development plan in place. This gap represents a major missed opportunity. Research consistently shows that organizations with strong development programs experience higher productivity, stronger engagement, and significantly lower turnover. Studies from LinkedIn Learning and the Association for Talent Development report that companies investing in employee development see 24% higher profit margins, 34% higher retention, and employees who are 15% more engaged in their work. In short, development isn’t just a benefit—it’s a strategic advantage.

    RWSmith ETC helps utilities and organizations build practical, sustainable professional development plans tailored to their workforce. We work with your internal resources, identify external training opportunities, and create a structured roadmap that supports growth at every level. Whether your goal is to strengthen teamwork, improve communication, build leadership capacity, or ensure employees stay certified and current, we help you design a plan that fits your culture and your budget.

    A well‑designed development plan is one of the smartest investments an organization can make. It boosts morale, increases productivity, reduces turnover, and creates a workplace where employees feel valued and prepared for the future. With RWSmith ETC as your partner, you can build a program that supports your people, strengthens your organization, and positions you for long‑term success.

We provide resources and expertise in a variety of utility-centric technologies