Beyond the Meter: AI and Use Cases at the Grid Edge

Enhanced computing capabilities, AI, and new customer engagement platforms available at the grid edge are rapidly transforming the role of the customer meter. New use cases have emerged to deliver much-needed intelligence and controllability to the grid, on both the customer side (real-time energy usage displays; high usage alerts; and pre-pay programs with double-digit savings) and on the utility side (cold load pickup, EV detection, vegetation management, and more). The connected grid edge is evolving quickly, in part thanks to the fast evolution of AI, distributed energy resources, and demand response models (e.g. virtual power plants) .

This panel explores new grid edge approaches to delivering necessary grid flexibility, customer engagement, and enhanced operational planning, with a focus on applications for Midwest cooperatives. Highlighted utility perspectives come from Rayburn Electric Cooperative and Tipmont with technical commentary from Landis+Gyr and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office also shares some ways that virtual power plants are emerging to utilize capabilities at the grid edge to mitigate load growth impacts.