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Energy & Utilities AI

Modern grid paradox: Leveraging AI to meet unprecedented demand

06/10/2026

by Shelby Estep and Alex Hebert

Utilities across the country are facing an unprecedented strain on their energy grids, driven in part by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), AI infrastructure will consume up to 12% of national electricity capacity by 2028. Additionally, projections from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) suggest that AI demand will exceed 50 gigawatts by 2030. This will require the construction of 75 to 100 gigawatts of new generation capacity to maintain grid stability.

We’ve read the headlines, studied the projections, and seen the real-time pressure building across the grid. The question is no longer what is coming, but whether your utility is prepared to respond and meet this challenge.

The paradox of leveraging AI to meet grid demand

To keep pace with this unparalleled surge, ironically, utility leaders will need to embrace disruption by leveraging AI within their workforces. Now, more than ever, utilities need to quickly become comfortable with effectively and strategically leveraging artificial intelligence-powered tools in their everyday planning processes, operational procedures, and technology offerings. Innovations such as computer vision, large language models, agentic platforms, machine automation and learning, robotics, and advanced analytics are becoming increasingly essential to:

• Long-term load forecasting and planning
• Asset inspection and predictive maintenance
• Infrastructure planning and interconnection
• Field operations and outage management
• Customer engagement and demand‑side optimization

For instance, utilities are implementing AI-driven decision intelligence tools that consolidate data from multiple systems into a single dashboard, providing a more unified and actionable view of operations. As routine transactions are automated, teams reduce manual effort and limit the risk of human error. At the same time, historical data enables more accurate forecasting of material needs and earlier visibility into potential constraints. Initiatives like these demonstrate how AI streamlines operations to help utilities stay ahead of demand.

Used strategically, these technologies can help utilities move faster, plan smarter, and do more with the same resources. However, leveraging artificial intelligence to meet AI-driven load growth only works if employees are bought in, supported, and strategically guided. When AI-enablement is deployed inefficiently, ungoverned, or siloed, it doesn’t alleviate pressure; it compounds it. Inefficient use of artificial intelligence further contributes to the problem and hamstrings utilities from meeting the moment successfully.

So, what should utilities keep in mind as they begin their AI journey, and how should leaders set their workforces up to successfully leverage and operationalize artificial intelligence? Before deploying AI tools or platforms, utilities must establish a clear, enterprise-wide understanding of where artificial intelligence can deliver the most value. For this, utilities must strategically consider the alignment of people, processes, and technology. These elements lay the foundation for effectively navigating the “paradox” of leveraging AI to address associated challenges.

The path forward is clear. Utilities that are unafraid of embracing artificial intelligence in a strategically planned, sustainable, and ethical fashion will reap the greatest benefits and empower their workforces to meet the challenge of this projected demand. It’s time to move beyond experimentation and take ownership of how artificial intelligence is governed and operationalized. Now is the moment to align workforce strategy, technology investment, and leadership accountability around a unified vision for AI-enabled operations. The utilities who act decisively and empower their workforces to modernize how the grid is planned, grown, maintained, and operated will be best positioned to meet rising demand and define the next era of reliable, resilient energy delivery. Click the “Contact us” button above to connect with a consultant to leverage AI with a clear, practical plan and see lasting results.

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