Home Bots & Business 94% of Power and Utility CIOs Increase AI Investments

94% of Power and Utility CIOs Increase AI Investments

by Pieter Werner

Gartner has projected that by 2027, 40% of power and utility companies will deploy AI-driven operators in control rooms. This shift is anticipated to lower risks associated with human error while presenting new challenges in cyber-physical system security. According to Gartner’s 2025 CIO and Technology Executive Survey, 94% of chief information officers (CIOs) in the sector plan to increase AI investments in 2025, with an average spending growth of 38.3%.

Jo-Ann Clynch, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, emphasized the transformative potential of AI for the industry, noting its ability to perform tasks with precision and repeatability when effectively governed. “Human decision-making is critical, but it is also a significant factor in industrial accidents. AI-driven operations offer a compelling solution,” she stated.

The industry is undergoing a transition fueled by technological advancements and changing customer expectations. The decentralization of energy resources, such as solar panels and energy storage, is enabling new operational models. These developments allow customer-owned assets to address objectives like cost optimization and energy production while aligning with consumer preferences. Clynch underscored the importance of integrating these assets into a comprehensive digital ecosystem, advising CIOs to invest in data infrastructure, cloud services, and AI technologies to adapt to this evolving landscape.

Addressing Security and Efficiency in AI-Powered Operations

AI-driven control rooms offer advantages, including real-time data analysis, predictive maintenance, and automated anomaly detection, reducing operational inefficiencies. However, these advancements come with heightened cybersecurity risks. Gartner highlighted the need for robust security frameworks and adherence to regulatory standards to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Clynch advised organizations to establish governance protocols, such as access control measures and limits on data usage by AI systems. A strategic approach to AI integration, supported by strong governance and workforce readiness, is essential to balance efficiency and security.

Recommendations for CIOs in the Power and Utilities Sector

To maximize the benefits of AI-driven decision-making while addressing associated challenges, Gartner recommended that power and utility CIOs focus on three core priorities:

  1. Operational Efficiency: Develop a comprehensive AI implementation strategy to target areas where automation can reduce human error. Establish governance controls for consistent monitoring and risk mitigation.
  2. Cybersecurity: Invest in advanced security solutions, including those tailored for AI systems, such as quantum-enhanced security. Regularly conduct vulnerability assessments and maintain robust incident response plans.
  3. Human-AI Collaboration: Train employees to work effectively with AI technologies, emphasizing critical thinking, interpretation of AI outputs, and oversight of automated processes.

Gartner’s analysis underscores the dual imperatives of harnessing AI for operational improvements and preparing for the complexities it introduces, positioning power and utility companies to navigate a rapidly changing technological environment.

Misschien vind je deze berichten ook interessant