In this conversation with Nilesh Jain, Engineering Lead at Oracle America, Inc., we dive into his work creating transformative solutions that contribute to sustainability goals at national and international levels. With over 17 years of experience, a U.S. patent, and a focus on energy-efficient technology, Nilesh has become an integral force in Oracle’s mission to support utilities in building a cleaner, more resilient future.
Interviewer: Nilesh, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by describing your role at Oracle and how your work supports both national and international sustainability efforts?
Nilesh Jain: Thank you for having me. As an Engineering Lead at Oracle, my primary role is to develop technology that enables utilities to meet their sustainability goals and extend access to clean energy solutions. My projects, particularly the Core Entity Data Acquisition System (CEDAS) and the Integration Hub, have helped utilities streamline operations, engage customers in energy-saving programs, and ultimately reduce carbon emissions. Utilities like Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the City of Austin (COA), American Electric Power in Ohio (AEP Ohio), and Eversource Energy have implemented these platforms to drive energy efficiency, benefiting millions of Americans and supporting national decarbonization goals.
Our work also has global implications. Oracle’s upcoming expansion into Canada and Europe means that solutions like the Integration Hub and CEDAS will play a vital role in helping utilities worldwide meet sustainability targets. As more utilities adopt these tools, we’re enabling a ripple effect of environmental benefits that aligns with international pledges, such as the United Nations’ sustainability goals, aimed at reducing global carbon emissions by 2030.
Interviewer: That sounds impactful! Can you tell us more about CEDAS and what makes it a critical tool in advancing these sustainability goals?
Nilesh Jain: CEDAS is a data acquisition platform that empowers utilities by providing them with real-time, actionable insights on customer energy use. Utilities like PG&E and COA use CEDAS to improve engagement in programs such as energy efficiency rebates and demand response initiatives. These programs incentivize customers to reduce energy consumption during peak times, which directly contributes to lowering grid strain and reducing carbon emissions.
The secure and efficient data-sharing methods I developed for CEDAS earned a U.S. patent, and this innovation has positioned Oracle as a leader in sustainable energy technology. The impact is measurable—CEDAS not only saves utilities millions in operational costs but also supports the larger goal of reducing carbon footprints on a national level. Through CEDAS, utilities can expand their reach and offer more tailored energy-saving programs, meaning that more households have access to solutions that reduce both energy use and costs.
Interviewer: The Integration Hub seems to be equally transformative. Can you share how it supports utilities in scaling sustainable energy initiatives?
Nilesh Jain: Absolutely. The Integration Hub addresses the significant challenge of vendor integration in the utility sector. Prior to the Integration Hub, integrating with third-party vendors could take months and incur high costs. With the Hub, we’ve reduced integration time to hours and cut costs by over 90%. This allows utilities to scale energy efficiency and renewable energy programs faster and more affordably, making these solutions available to more customers in less time.
For example, AEP Ohio and Eversource Energy use the Integration Hub to connect with partners offering renewable energy solutions, smart home technologies, and even electric vehicle incentives. This integration capability means that utilities can introduce new programs that promote clean energy adoption and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By enabling faster, cost-effective integrations, the Integration Hub directly supports the deployment of programs that drive down carbon emissions and advance decarbonization goals.
Interviewer: How does your multi-cloud expertise contribute to the adaptability of these solutions in both national and international contexts?
Nilesh Jain: Working across multiple cloud platforms, specifically Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and AWS, has been essential in making these solutions adaptable to different markets and regulatory requirements. For instance, our expansion into Canada and Europe in 2025 will require robust, compliant systems that can handle diverse data privacy laws and grid regulations. By leveraging OCI and AWS, we’re able to provide flexible, scalable solutions that utilities worldwide can adopt to meet their specific needs.
This adaptability is crucial as we aim to support not only the U.S. market but also international markets where governments are increasingly setting aggressive targets for carbon reduction. Our cloud expertise allows utilities in different countries to customize CEDAS and the Integration Hub to align with their unique sustainability goals, whether it’s increasing renewable energy adoption in Europe or supporting grid modernization in Canada.
Interviewer: How do you see your role within Oracle as crucial to the organization’s impact on global sustainability?
Nilesh Jain: My role is to bridge cutting-edge technology with the real-world needs of utilities that serve millions of people. At Oracle, we’re committed to driving innovation that supports both organizational and global sustainability goals. By creating platforms like CEDAS and the Integration Hub, I’m enabling utilities to operate more efficiently and sustainably, which ultimately benefits families, communities, and the environment. The patent I earned for CEDAS is a reflection of our commitment to leading the industry in secure, efficient data handling—an essential element in any sustainable infrastructure.
More importantly, these platforms allow utilities to serve more people with energy-saving solutions. For example, low-income households are now more easily able to access rebate programs and energy assistance, making sustainability efforts inclusive and impactful on a broader scale. This means my work doesn’t just benefit Oracle or our utility clients—it directly contributes to cleaner, more affordable energy for millions.
Interviewer: Beyond your technical work, how are you involved in the community to further sustainability and innovation?
Nilesh Jain: I’m actively involved as a judge in hackathons across the USA, where I evaluate projects focused on AI, data integration, and sustainable technology. This role allows me to support emerging talent and ideas that align with global sustainability goals. Additionally, I volunteer in the DC area, particularly in initiatives that promote technology education and community engagement. By mentoring others and sharing my expertise, I hope to inspire a new generation of engineers who are dedicated to creating technology with a purpose.
Interviewer: What motivates you to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable technology?
Nilesh Jain: My motivation comes from knowing that technology has the power to make a positive impact on people’s lives and the planet. At Oracle, I’m fortunate to work on projects that don’t just solve immediate challenges—they support a sustainable future for generations to come. I’m driven by the idea that our solutions today can have a lasting impact, reducing carbon footprints, lowering energy costs, and building a more resilient energy grid for the future. It’s deeply rewarding to know that my work contributes to sustainability goals that benefit not only our country but the world as a whole.
With a career centered on sustainable innovation, Nilesh Jain’s work at Oracle is helping to set new standards in the utility sector. His projects, including CEDAS and the Integration Hub, provide real-world solutions that advance Oracle’s mission and contribute to global sustainability efforts, one energy-efficient solution at a time.