UAI has launched a new survey as part of a research project designed to understand how to operationalize artificial intelligence at utilities.
Many utilities are interested in artificial intelligence (AI) but are not sure how to use and scale it. Over the past few years, there have been a few successful AI use cases at utilities in areas such as asset performance maintenance and management, customer segmentation and engagement, and staffing and scheduling. These use cases serve as a good starting point but utilities are struggling to scale them in other business areas. For AI to be truly transformational, it needs to be prolific throughout the enterprise. AI should enable every business unit to be more proactive and informed; it also must free up employees to accomplish the most critical tasks.
Why is AI difficult to operationalize?
Operationalizing artificial intelligence poses many challenges. There is still skepticism on how AI specifically can provide value in certain areas. Its value has been proven in a few areas through specific use cases; however, it is still unclear how to create value on an enterprise-wide scale. Many utilities lack the expertise on how to create and implement a strategic plan that could prove the value of AI and make it central to running their businesses. Technology maturity and availability pose another challenge. Most utilities do not have the right tools on hand to pursue prolific AI projects and purchasing new technologies is no easy feat, due to budget and regulatory constraints. Even if the right technology was available, regulatory approval and lack of expertise would create significant challenges. Then there is the matter of time. Big technology projects require a lot of work and time; most IT and data and analytics teams have other projects that take priority over pursuing AI. They simply do not have enough time, so they try to balance mission critical tasks with operationalizing AI.
Take UAI’s AI survey
UAI has launched a new survey as part of a research project designed to understand how to operationalize artificial intelligence at utilities. Despite the significant challenges to operationalizing AI, it is possible to make it happen. This survey will help UAI understand specific challenges to implementing AI and how utilities are solving them. The five-minute survey inquires about AI use cases, data strategies and challenges, technology strategies and challenges, data ethics and governance strategies, and organizational culture. If you are a utility employee familiar with AI pursuits, please take the survey!
