AI in Action: How Utilities Are Modernizing Grid Operations

As power systems grow more complex, energy planning now blends long-term strategy with daily operations. In this Power Pulse episode, Bret Toplyn draws upon his nearly 15 years of experience driving analytical software solutions across the global energy sector to emphasize the importance of an integrated, lifecycle-based approach to portfolio management. He breaks down how the right digital tools and unified platforms enable rapid transitions from forecasts to real-time insights, making planning a continuous process that supports an optimal user experience and resilient, flexible power systems in an ever-evolving market. 

In this episode of Power Pulse, we explore the frontiers of grid research with our guest Bo Yang, who shares how digital innovation is reshaping the future of energy systems. From early work anticipating the rise of renewables to leading-edge collaborations with utilities, research institutions, and regulators, Bo takes us inside the evolution of advanced grid planning and operations.  The conversation highlights how increasing demand from renewables, electric vehicles, and data centers is fundamentally changing how grids must be designed and managed. At the core of this transformation is software—often unseen, yet critical in enabling faster, data-driven decisions that impact billions of dollars in infrastructure investments and determine how quickly new energy resources can come online. 

As grids become more digital and interconnected, cybersecurity has become inseparable from reliability. In this episode of Power Pulse, we explore what cybersecurity really means for today's electric power systems—and what often gets misunderstood.  Drawing on his 42 years of experience working with utilities, policymakers, and industry standards bodies, cybersecurity expert Steven A. Kunsman explains how threats are evolving, why compliance alone is only a starting point, and how real-world attacks have fundamentally reshaped how the industry thinks about risk. The conversation explores the convergence of IT and OT, the critical role of international standards like IEC 62443, and why "defence in depth" is essential to protect substations, control systems, and mission-critical infrastructure. 

As electricity demand accelerates and new loads arrive faster and at greater scale, utilities are being forced to rethink how the grid is planned and operated. In this episode of Power Pulse, John Glassmire explores why grid expansion is no longer just a hardware challenge, how data, automation, and visibility are becoming essential, and why battery energy storage is reshaping the grid into a digital system. He also reflects on what grid modernization means beyond technology—and why preparing the grid for what comes next is a mission-critical to modern society. 

How are utilities putting AI to work today? Milli Comstock shares real-world examples of how artificial intelligence is helping modernize grid operations—from predictive maintenance and asset performance management to knowledge transfer and control room innovation—while highlighting what it takes to scale AI responsibly across the energy sector. 

Factories are undergoing a digital transformation, adopting new technologies to improve efficiency, quality, and traceability. For us, this comes to life through the Digital Factory.   By connecting people, machines, and data, the Digital Factory embeds quality at every step of the production and delivers full lifecycle visibility. This digital backbone helps ensure safety and reliability for all the equipment that powers the grid.  Markus Heimbach, CEO of High Voltage Products business unit  at Hitachi Energy returns this season to explore the wonders of the Digital Factory, explain why the Digital Passport System is a key enabler, and share how Hitachi Energy stays ahead of the curve.  Press play to discover why the future of manufacturing is digital.  --- Make sure to follow us and click the notification button to get updates on new episodes.   Visit www.hitachienergy.com/powerpulse for more information.   The Power Pulse podcast is produced and edited by Creative Chimps for Hitachi Energy.   

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are evolving beyond simple energy storage into intelligent assets that optimize renewable integration. In this episode, Alberto Prieto looks at the role of advanced converters, automation, and digital services in improving grid stability, efficiency, and flexibility. By leveraging real-time data and predictive analytics, these smarter systems can manage variability in renewable generation, reduce operational costs, and extend asset life. Combining technology with service expertise is essential for unlocking the full potential of renewable energy and accelerating the transition to a sustainable power system.

Today's data centers are increasingly integrated into the wider energy ecosystem, requiring solutions that can manage operational complexity, flexibility, and evolving grid conditions. We're joined by Ben Frazer, Global Data Center Segment Leader for Grid Automation. He will discuss the urgent deployment of data centers in the midst of the energy transition, as well as how Grid automation is central to meeting these demands, providing real‑time visibility, intelligent control, and utility‑grade reliability across the entire power distribution chain, from grid connection through high, medium, and low voltage systems.

Hitachi Energy is building the control room of the future by integrating advanced digital technologies, such as AI and digital twins, into a unified platform to provide operators with real-time, data-driven insights and control over an increasingly complex and renewable-heavy energy grid.

Interoperability is crucial for electrical grids because it enables different systems and devices to securely and reliably exchange and use information, which is essential for modernizing the grid, managing diverse energy sources like solar and wind, and integrating new technologies. Interoperability and connectivity are also key aspects of Hitachi Energy's coherent portfolio. Hardware and software running the grid can't be proprietary. Hitachi Energy creates solutions that integrate seamlessly with the footprint of our customers. This simplifies operations and management, while reducing obsolescence burdens and headaches.