As electricity demand increases across industries and households, the pressure on grid infrastructure continues to grow. Traditional planning methods are too slow to match this pace. A recent webinar hosted by Microsoft and ThinkLabs AI explored how artificial intelligence is helping power and utility companies plan smarter and respond faster.
Experts from Microsoft, Southern Company, EPRI and ThinkLabs discussed how AI tools are being used to improve forecasting, automate complex workflows and support workforce training. One example shared by Josh Wong, CEO of ThinkLabs, showed how AI-driven simulations now take minutes instead of days. These tools help model grid demand across thousands of hours and quickly suggest solutions to problems, making planning more efficient.
Robin Lanier from Georgia Power highlighted the use of digital twins virtual simulations of grid systems for training and scenario planning. These tools improve safety and allow staff to prepare for real-world challenges without physical risk. AI is also helping personalise employee training and preserve knowledge as experienced workers retire.
While AI brings major benefits, challenges like outdated infrastructure, cybersecurity concerns and slow adoption remain. The panel agreed that testing AI tools in controlled settings and strong collaboration across sectors are essential to building safer, more reliable energy systems for the future.
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