In this interview, Todd shares his vision for the role of technology in enhancing grid resilience and operational efficiency while also addressing the challenges utilities face as we move toward a more electrified future. We hope this discussion sparks further conversation within the Energy Central community, and we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences as we all navigate these exciting changes in the utility industry.
You can also watch Todd’s full keynote presentation to dive deeper into his perspective on these critical issues, and we invite you to share your questions and comments for Todd at the end of this post.
Energy Central: Your keynote at Itron Inspire focused on technology as a business enabler in an ever-evolving grid. For those in our audience who weren’t fortunate enough to catch your talk, can you share your vision for how technology, particularly AI and digital tools, will help utilities like Southern California Edison (SCE) tackle challenges like grid reliability and electrification?
Todd Inlander: Technology plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of grid reliability and electrification. For utilities like Southern California Edison (SCE), one of the key challenges is the transition to a grid that supports more distributed energy resources (DERs) and the growing electrification of sectors like transportation and buildings. AI and digital tools can help manage these complexities by enabling smarter grid operations, optimizing energy distribution, and providing real-time insights into grid performance. AI can also predict energy demand and help utilities anticipate potential disruptions, enabling them to proactively address issues before they escalate. Digital tools allow for greater automation of grid functions, improving operational efficiency and reliability. For instance, advanced analytics can support predictive maintenance, and AI-driven optimization of DER integration ensures that energy is used more efficiently and stored effectively, especially during peak periods.
EC: California has faced significant challenges with wildfires, and you mentioned in your presentation SCE’s extensive wildfire mitigation efforts. How has the integration of new technologies like AI-driven inspections and satellite imagery helped reduce the risks associated with wildfires? What are the next steps in further deploying these new types of tools?
TI: The integration of AI-driven inspections utilizing photos and LiDAR data has been a game-changer in reducing the risks associated with wildfires. LiDAR allows for more precise and rapid identification of potential hazards, such as vegetation encroaching on power lines, and applying AI to photos helps to identify infrastructure vulnerabilities that could lead to fires. SCE is currently evaluating the effectiveness of satellite imagery, coupled with AI, to provide detailed data that can be used to detect changes in environmental conditions that might contribute to fire risk. This technology enables SCE to perform proactive inspections, prioritizing areas of higher risk. With AI-driven tools, we can better allocate resources and ensure that our inspections and maintenance activities are more targeted and efficient. The next steps include incorporating more data sources, such as satellite images, expanding the use of these technologies to more remote areas and improving the data models that predict wildfire risk, allowing us to further refine our mitigation strategies.
EC: You mentioned SCE’s efforts to implement grid modernization investments, including ADMS and automation. How do these technologies contribute to improving safety, operational efficiency, and integration of DERs? And what are the challenges to seeing those opportunities through to being deployed?
TI: Grid modernization technologies such as Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) and automation play a vital role in improving safety and operational efficiency and the integration of DERs. ADMS allows for real-time monitoring of the grid, giving utilities the ability to quickly detect and address faults, reducing downtime and enhancing safety. Automation enables faster responses to issues on the grid, such as automatically rerouting power in the event of an outage, which enhances both reliability and operational efficiency. In terms of DER integration, these systems help manage the variability and intermittency of renewable energy sources by coordinating how and when DERs are dispatched onto the grid, ensuring stability. However, there are challenges in deploying these technologies, particularly around the complexity of integrating new systems with existing infrastructure. Additionally, ensuring the security of these digital systems is crucial, as they become more integral to grid operations. The challenge is also in ensuring that these systems are scalable and can handle the future demands of a growing and increasingly decentralized grid.
EC: You also covered the goal of enabling AI-driven autonomous operations in field inspections and grid operations. What are some of the immediate benefits you’ve seen from this technology, and what are the long-term expectations in terms of customer experience and operational efficiency?
TI: AI-driven autonomous operations have already brought immediate benefits in terms of improving the speed and accuracy of field inspections and grid operations. For example, AI algorithms can process vast amounts of data from sensors, drones, and other digital tools to quickly identify potential issues, reducing the time it takes to pinpoint faults and enabling faster repairs. This also reduces the need for manual inspections, which are often time-consuming and subject to human error. In terms of customer experience, the long-term expectation is that these AI-driven operations will lead to fewer outages and quicker restoration of service, which directly impacts reliability. Operationally, AI will continue to enhance efficiency by automating routine tasks, allowing staff to focus on higher-value activities and reducing costs over time. Over the long term, AI should lead to a more resilient grid, one that can adapt to challenges more effectively, improving both operational efficiency and the overall customer experience.
EC: As we move toward 2045, the frequency of extreme weather events continues to rise. How is SCE incorporating advanced forecasting and real-time data analytics into your grid resilience strategies, particularly in relation to droughts, winds, and extreme heat?
TI: SCE is incorporating advanced forecasting and real-time data analytics into our grid resilience strategies to better prepare for extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe. For droughts, wind events, and extreme heat, we use predictive analytics to assess potential risks and forecast weather patterns that may affect grid performance. This allows us to adjust operations, such as adjusting power flow and maintaining critical infrastructure, and providing early warning systems. Additionally, real-time data analytics allows us to continuously monitor grid conditions during extreme events, enabling rapid response to any developing issues. For instance, during high-wind events, we can use real-time data to monitor the condition of power lines and other infrastructure, allowing for quicker identification of potential hazards. Over time, as we integrate more data sources and improve our forecasting models, we will be able to further refine our resilience strategies, helping to ensure that our grid can withstand the impacts of climate change and extreme weather.
EC: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the role of technology in shaping the future of utilities? What challenges do you foresee, and how is SCE preparing to address them?
TI: What excites me most about the role of technology in shaping the future of utilities is the opportunity to create a cleaner, more resilient, and more efficient energy system. The advancements in AI, data analytics, and automation are transforming how utilities like SCE operate, allowing us to deliver more reliable service, integrate renewable energy more effectively and provide a better customer experience. However, there are several challenges to address. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that we can keep up with the pace of technological change and effectively integrate new tools and systems into our existing infrastructure. Another challenge is cybersecurity, as we increasingly rely on digital systems to operate the grid. We need to ensure that these systems are secure and resilient against potential threats. SCE is preparing for these challenges by investing in workforce training, prioritizing cybersecurity, and continuing to invest in research and development to stay at the forefront of technology. By collaborating with industry leaders, we are making sure that we are well equipped to meet the challenges ahead and continue driving innovation in the energy sector.
