Technology has gained a new prominence at Sempra Energy in San Diego. IT is now being recognized by the business as a partner, says Reed Roadman, infrastructure technology manager and a 10-year veteran at the company. No longer considered simply the keeper of back-end payroll accounting systems, Sempra’s IT department is playing a key role as the utility industry moves toward smart-grid digital technology and the use of renewable energy resources. “We are on the forefront of technology for the first time, as opposed to trailers,” Roadman says. [...]