The early days of AI on the grid

The first wave of digital grid infrastructure in the U.S. didn’t quite deliver on its promises. More than 100 million smart meters have rolled out across the country, buoyed initially by billions in federal funding. But instead of using them for exciting things like time-of-use pricing and automated demand response, utilities used them for more mundane things like automated billing, according to a whitepaper from Guidehouse. Could the new wave of AI-based grid tech be different? In this episode, Shayle talks to David Groarke, managing director at the energy consultancy Indigo Advisory Group, who co-authored a forthcoming Latitude Intelligence report on utilities and AI. David says that AI is showing promise so far. Unlike the first wave of hardware-focused advanced-metering infrastructure, AI leans heavily on relatively cheap software and data. He also says that AI’s capabilities are advancing quickly (“doing pressups” as the Irish say) by improving algorithms, handling more tasks, and improving efficiency. David and Shayle cover use-cases and other topics like: Wildfire management, using data from cameras, lidar, and satellites Customer propensity modeling, including detecting EVs to aid with infrastructure planning Automated and personalized communication with customers Predictive maintenance of substations and other grid infrastructure, using data from, for example, computer vision to detect corrosion and reduce downtime Optimizing transmission capacity by moving from static ratings of transmission lines to real-time ratings Whether incumbents or startups are leading the development of these AI-based solutions David’s take on whether AI’s impact on utilities will be revolutionary or incremental Recommended Resources: Latitude: Welcome to the smart meter’s second act Latitude: AI is simplifying complex decisions for utilities Latitude: Seven ways utilities are exploring AI for the grid Latitude: Could AI-fueled weather forecasts boost renewable energy production? Catalyst is supported by Antenna Group. For 25 years, Antenna has partnered with leading clean-economy innovators to build their brands and accelerate business growth. If you’re a startup, investor, enterprise or innovation ecosystem that’s creating positive change, Antenna is ready to power your impact. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more. Catalyst is brought to you by Atmos Financial. Atmos is revolutionizing finance by leveraging your deposits to exclusively fund decarbonization solutions, like residential solar and electrification. FDIC-insured with market-leading savings rates, cash-back checking, and zero fees. Get an account in minutes at joinatmos.com.