Article authored by Hassan Zaheer, Managing Partner & COO at PTR Inc., explores the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence—not just as a driver of electricity demand, but as a transformative force within the power sector itself. With rising electrification and increasing pressure on aging infrastructure, the power sector faces mounting challenges. AI, once seen as a futuristic concept, is now becoming central to grid modernization by enabling smarter, faster, and more predictive operations. The editorial highlights how utilities are harnessing AI across generation, transmission, distribution, and customer engagement. AI tools are being used to forecast renewable energy availability, optimize turbine performance, and predict equipment failures—boosting asset efficiency and reliability. From the deployment of drones for fault detection to intelligent assistants enhancing customer service, real-world examples underscore AI’s growing footprint.

Despite clear benefits, the journey is not without hurdles. Data fragmentation, cybersecurity concerns, skill gaps, and regulatory lags remain persistent barriers. Yet, as Zaheer argues, these challenges are not insurmountable. He emphasizes that the power sector must integrate AI deeply—not as an add-on but as a strategic imperative. The future grid, as envisioned by Zaheer, will be intelligent, autonomous, and adaptive. AI will no longer simply aid decisions; it will make themfaster and more precisely than any human could. For industry stakeholders, the message is clear: scaling AI is not a choice, it’s the cornerstone of a resilient, efficient, and future-ready energy system.

Follow this link to learn more: The Expanding Role of AI in Power Systems

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